Gaby, Lost and Found

by Angela Cervantes

One amazing forever home for one amazing sixth grader.

"My name is Gaby, and I'm looking for a home where I can invite my best friend over and have a warm breakfast a couple of times a week. Having the newest cell phone or fancy clothes isn't important, but I'd like to have a cat that I can talk to when I'm home alone."

Gaby Ramirez Howard loves volunteering at the local animal shelter. She plays with the kittens, helps to obedience train the dogs, and writes adoption advertisements so that the strays who live there can find their forever places where they'll be loved and cared for, no matter what.

Gaby has been feeling like a bit of a stray herself, lately. Her mother has recently been deported to Honduras and Gaby is stuck living with her inattentive dad. She's confident that her mom will come home soon so that they can adopt Gaby's favorite shelter cat together. When the cat's original owners turn up at the shelter, however, Gaby worries that her plans for the perfect family are about to fall apart.

Genres: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Animals, Contemporary, Family, Childrens, Fiction

224 pages, Hardcover

First published July 30, 2013

About the author

Angela Cervantes is the award-winning author of several popular children's novels including Lety Out Loud, which won the Pura Belpré Honor Award in 2020.

Her other novels include The Cursed Moon, which won Florida's Sunshine State Young Readers Award. Angela's other middle grade novels include the Frida Kahlo-inspired mystery, Me, Frida and The Secret of the Peacock Ring; Allie, First At Last; and Gaby, Lost and Found.

Her latest children’s novel is Anomalies 53: Into the Shadows which is book 1 of a two-book series published by Harper Collins.

Additionally, Angela authored the junior novelization for Disney/Pixar's animated-film, Coco and Disney's animated film, Encanto. She also collaborated with American Girl Dolls for the novel Maritza: Lead With Your Heart.

Angela’s short stories have been featured in Chicken Soup for The Latino Soul and the Young Adult anthology Beyond Borders: Growing Up Mexican in America.

Angela is a daughter of a retired elementary-school teacher who instilled in her a love for reading and storytelling. Angela writes from her home in Kansas City. When she's not writing, Angela enjoys reading, running, gazing up at clouds, and taking advantage of Taco Tuesdays.

To learn more about Angela and her books, visit her website at angelacervantes.com.

Reviews

[Mindee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a marvelous middle-grade book for both girls and boys alike. Adults will enjoy it greatly, too - this one sure did. Gaby is well-developed character with whom I related easily. She and the animals won my heart, and I found myself with tears in my eyes on more than one occasion. Her relationship with her mother, especially, broke my heart. Hope is eternal, right? (Future book, perhaps, for adults - the story of Gaby's mother?)

Cervantes' writing style flows wonderfully well and kept me turning the pages to see what happened next. Thank you for touching my heart with this story - it will stay with me for a long time.

[Olivia's Bookish Places & Spaces · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can honestly say without a doubt that is one of the best middle grade novels I've ever read.

Plot: Gabby Ramirez Howard's mother is deported back to Honduras and she is placed in the care of her apathetic American father. As part of her sixth grade service project Gabby works at the local animal shelter and eventually takes on the task of writing up the flyers for the animal adoptions.

Cervantes impressed me on several levels. First, her writing is absolutely exquisite. It is simple enough for children to follow yet flows better than many adult novels. This makes is accessible to a wide readership which to me is the mark of the superb author. Second, the novel tackles several serious issues such as immigration, parental deportation and animal welfare through the eyes of a child. Cervantes really made you feel for Gabby as the most important person in her life is suddenly ripped away from her. She really demonstrates the devastating effect this has on children and their emotional wellbeing. This really drew me into the mental/emotional state of Gabby and caused me to ask myself what I would do if I were in this situation. The second main issue addressed was animal welfare. Gabby was perhaps one of the most compassionate characters I have ever encountered. For someone so young she is wise beyond her years. Her determination to help animals was incredibly heartwarming. Cervantes also drew attention to the injustices that strays and abandoned animals face while framing it in a way that was not extremely graphic. Any author that can open up these kinds of conversations to children deserves a gold star.

Overall, I would recommend this book to pretty much anyone especially animal-lovers, YA lovers, people interested in veterinary medicine, people interested in immigration issues and Donald Trump and Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen as I feel this book would help them better understand the effects of parent-child separation.

[Elisha Karr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was amazing. I loved Gaby and her perspective. It really touched my heart. I loved the shelter storyline and the way she paired the animals with what Gaby was going through. I loved that she took on this subject that children go through everyday. Wonderful story!

[Lisa Cindrich]

Debut novel by one of my writing group peeps! Can't wait to get my own autographed copy.

[Mackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was a girl named Gaby and luck was not on her side. With her mom in Honduras and with her dad quitting jobs left to right and not taking care of her she pretty much is on her own. Gaby loves animals so when her class volunteers at the animal shelter she was excited about working with all the animals. Gaby fell in love with all the animals but one cat named Feather caught her eye. Feathers former owners left her at a rest top. But Feathers mean owners want her back. Find out what Gaby does when you read Gaby Lost and Found.
I think this book is sad and I can’t tell you the ending so I will just say this is a book about trust between a cat and a girl. This book is way more interesting than it looks but it didn’t live up to my expectations. But if you like animals and comepleate and utter beatrail read this book. My favorite character is Alma (Gaby's best friend). My least favorite character is Jan. You will find out who these people are if you read the book.

[Kayla Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book so much. As an animal lover, as someone who works with children, and as a human being this novel spoke to me on every level. I want to take Gaby and Feather home with me so that they can always be together. I want to bring Gaby's mother home. I want to give those eighth-grade bullies a piece of my mind. But most of all, I want you to go read this book. It's definitely worth your time.

[Jacqui · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gaby’s mother has been deported and is now in full custody of her father who really doesn’t want to be the “responsible adult”. She, at age 10 or 11, takes care of herself and then tries to take care of strays from a shelter. She writes ads about each animal in the hopes of getting them adopted. This book about friendships, family and illegal immigrants is a great middle grade novel.

[Sharie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good junior fiction.

Themes:
- illegal immigrant w/ citizen daughter left behind
- how hard it really is to take care of a pet (food/diet, sickness, litter, etc)

Overall tame descriptions and fine for most audiences. Easier reading level.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sixth grader Gaby Ramirez Howard is counting the days until her mother can return from Honduras. After a raid on the place where she worked, she was deported there since she didn't have the proper papers. Gaby's estranged father steps into the picture and moves into their home, but despite his best intentions, he had no idea how to take care of his daughter. He forgets to buy groceries or pick up food from the food pantry, and Gaby must fend for herself. When she and her classmates embark on a service project at the local animal shelter, Gaby falls in love with Feather, a beautiful cat whose owners left her at a rest area. As Gaby puts her writing talents into crafting heart-wrenching adoption notices for each of the dogs and cats at the shelter so that they can find forever homes, she is just as in end of a home as they are. My heart was touched by Gaby's plight and the loyalty of her plucky friend, Alma. The author does a fine job of describing some of Gaby's disappointments and the cruel gossip that swirls around the school concerning her mother, and yet, she makes it clear that Gaby has a lot going for her too. It will be hard to resist wanting to give Gaby a big hug and adopting every single one of those furry friends looking for a family. I look forward to more from this debut author.

[Ana Marlatt · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a sweet story of a caring, well developed character (Gaby), who has to deal with some pretty tough life events. The parallel with the animal shelter was very cute and very appropriate. The adoption flyers written by Gaby were wonderful. What bothered me the most was the way the author dealt with immigration issues. Gaby's mom has been deported to Honduras because she entered the country illegally. She spends her time working in Honduras in order to gather enough money to hire a coyote to get her back in the States. Really? No one has a problem with this? It does not matter where you stand in the immigration issue... We have laws and rules that are meant to protect everyone in this country and writing about breaking these laws so casually did not sit right with me. Why didn't the dad marry the mom and give her citizenship status? I am uncomfortable with kids reading this otherwise sweet book and thinking that hiring coyotes and crossing the border illegally is something people should do. What am I missing?

[Serina · Rating 2 out of 5]

(BULLY) Sweet story of a girl who feels like a stray. Her mother gets deported back home to Hondurus, and she's left feeling alone. She has school project of volunteering at shelter. A good book that is diverse with sprinklings of easy to know spanish words. Excellent at showing the bond with Gaby has with her mom, friends and animals. Showcases different topics without being pushy. There is a little bit about some bullies, but its not the main idea of story. Plus she does stand up for herself. I think it would open up a lot of discussion of immagration laws and if they are fair. Also about shelters and the importance of being responsible for your pets. (Only question I had was, why couldn't the father marry the mom and give her status? I mean I know that its not instant like in movies, but it does at least give a person a chance to apply for citzenship.)

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Sometimes during Mrs. Kohler’s long lectures, Gaby would look out the classroom window and imagine her mom making her way through Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico by train and then walking across the Mexico-United States border with no problems.

Her mother’s perfect English and bright smile would convince the border agents that she belonged on this side. Just like that, her mom would be home and they’d never be separated again."

An emotionally engaging story, populated with a cast of realistic, three-dimensional, relatable characters, which tackles multiple issues (immigration/deportation, bullying, animal abuse, classism).

[Samantha Cornejo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that this book was funny but I also thought that it was kind of sad too,because of Gaby's mom not being able to live with her and that her mom was deported.Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I thought that Gaby was really being strong about her mom and how she was also being bullied at school too.I also thought it started looking up for her when she became a part of The Furry Friends animal Shelter,and met Feather! I really liked how the book ended out because it was so sweet and she loved staying with her best friend's house,Alma!

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the saddest, most beautiful book I have read yet! It is about a girl whose mother got deported to the Honduras and has to live with her dad when she doesn't want to, and barely has enough money for the necessities of life. She starts volunteering at a shelter an meets a stick-thin, half-dying cat who she absolutely loves, called Feather, and ends up losing her best friend when she stows the cat away in her backpack and takes it home. It is HEARTWRENCHING. I loved it.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gaby volunteers at the local animal hospital with her fellow classmates. She learns how to care for the animals and finds a way to help make others aware of the animals needs as well. A touching story that hits on very real topics of deportation, bullying, non-traditional families, and coming-of-age.

[Bethe · Rating 4 out of 5]

bookaday #84. 4.5 stars. Gaby's love for her mother is so strong, in a time of separation. This MG story will resonate with many children caught up in immigration struggles recently in the news. Additional subtle message about animals' lives not being disposable. I know my students will relate to Gaby and her friends.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is really good. I recommend this book cause if you like animals you will like this. It is about a girl whose mom lives in honderous and dad stays with her. She volonteers at the animal shelter and writes profiles for animals.

[CatsLoveDonuts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a sad one and reminded me of my situation in life. Even if it was sad, it still had a great plot. It is about a girl named Gaby who really wants a cat named Feather and for her mom to come home. It may cost you tears, but it's worth it!

[Junie Bug · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aw! So cute and sweet! My second Mark Twain Nominee for 2016! I loved the ending, but I expected Gaby's mom to return home from Honduras. That was the only disappointment, though. ☺️

[Savannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.7 stars.

This book was awesome! I like all of the kitties the most, because I love cats! (heh). The book could have done something bad to Marcos like break his arm or something cause because of his insults this book could have been in a trash can! But the kitties make up for it a LOT. The ending was happy but also SO SADDDDDDDD!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so sweet! Gaby is a very relatable protagonist, and I really felt so much compassion for her. She goes through a lot of teachable moments that other middle graders could relate to. 3-8 grade reading level I believe it was.

[Tinta · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great, sad, hopeful story about how deportation effects those left behind as a young girl struggles to deal without her mother with her and a father who tries but can't take care of himself. Intertwined, is the care and love of strays from an animal shelter. This is a very good story that will have the reader crying at the abandonment of the strays and hoping Gabby's mom can find her way home to her daughter.

[Dori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Likeable protagonist dealing with heavy issues.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these YA books that are topical but told with so much heart! Make sure to bring your kleenex to this read!

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love animals this book is for you! If my class had a chance to volunteer I'd totally choose the animal shelter! My favorite part in this book (other than the ending ) is probably when I get to see all the pages about each animal that Gabby writes to try to get the animal adopted.

[Janie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book was okay, but it really was very sad. That's why I only gave it three stars. It's so sad when her mom is gone, and she really wants this cat, and her dad is trying to find a new job, and they have to move and stuff.

[Keri Douglas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cervantes, A. (2013). Gaby, lost and found. New York: Scholastic.

Gaby lives with her single mom until her mom gets deported back to Honduras. Her absentee father moves in to "take care" of Gaby, but this sixth grader can take care of herself and the animals she volunteers with at the animal shelter. Gaby becomes the voice of the animals by writing profiles about each one to promote their adoption. She wonders if she should write on about herself because she feels lost too.

This book could be used in Social Studies and immigration issues. This online unit will lead you through getting students aware of community involvment: http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/to...

Named one of the best children’s books of the year, 2014 edition, by the Bank Street College Center for Children’s Literature (nine to twelve age group); Winner of the International Latino Book Award for best youth chapter fiction novel (English); A Rhode Island Children’s Book Award Nominee for 2015; CCBA Junior Novel Nominee 2015

*Diversity - Ethnicity - immigration issues, mom deported to Honduras

[Libby Ames · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would actually give this book 3.5 stars. The writing is slightly weak, but the story and careful handling of a difficult subject make it a powerful book.

When Gaby Howard's mother is deported to Honduras, life turns upside down for Gabby.  She is left with a father she barely knows and who is rarely home.  Gaby finds comfort from her school class's volunteer assignment at the local animal shelter, where she writes adoption notices for the animals. Gaby relates to the displaced animals and forms a strong bond with Feather, a sick and abandoned cat. The animals and experiences at Furry Friends Animal Shelter, serve as a mirror to Gaby's own struggles to find where she belongs.

Gaby, Lost and Found is a profound and sometimes painful story about immigration and deportation. However, Gaby's strength of character and the positie influence of the animals at Furry Friends Animal Shelter make the story uplifting. This book is a good introduction for young readers to a difficult and emotionally-charged current issue. The story is thought-provoking and realistic, but not depressing.  It is a nice fit for middle grade animal lovers.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really excellent story about a girl dealing with some pretty serious life issues. Realistic and deep without being too heavy. Wonderfully tangible dialogue. Believably intelligent and capable young people who still make plenty of mistakes. Well, well done.

As part of a class project, animal-loving Gaby volunteers at a local animal shelter. She writes short advertisements for the animals to help get them adopted, and in a low moment writes one for herself. It provides a nice overview of the book's situation:

Gaby Ramirez Howard

Just call me the St. Ann's stray. Three months ago, my mom was deported, and now I live with my father, who looks at me like I'm just another job he wants to quit. I'm seeking a home where I can invite my best friend over, and have a warm breakfast a couple times a week. Waffles and scrambled eggs are my favorite! Having the newest cell phone or fancy clothes isn't important, but I'd like to have a cat that I can talk to when I'm home alone. Come visit me at Furry Friends Animal Shelter and take me home today!

[Lessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gaby's mother was deported a few months ago and she's living with her dad who can't seem to take care of her. He won't hold a job, there's never good in her house, and the neighbors want her to live with them, but her dad says no. Gaby would press him more if she didn't think her mom was going to be home any day, although the days have quickly turned into months and everyone keeps asking Gaby if her mother really will be able to return from Honduras. Saving her from all this emotional trauma is working at the local animal shelter as part of a school service project. She can't take any of the pets home, but she does her best to find parents for all the animals.

The book deals with important and controversial issues such as illegal immigration, poverty, and child neglect. The writing was okay, but some of the exchanges seemed a little too formal. A great book for animals lovers, for sure.