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Summer of Lost and Found
From the author of When Audrey Met Alice comes a sweeping middle grade novel about a city girl forced to spend her summer in North Carolina, where she becomes involved in a centuries-old mystery, turning her once boring vacation into an adventure she never could have imagined.
Nell Dare expected to spend her summer vacation hanging out with her friends in New York City. That is, until her botanist mom dragged her all the way to Roanoke Island for a research trip. To make matters worse, her father suddenly and mysteriously leaves town, leaving no explanation or clues as to where he went—or why.
While Nell misses the city—and her dad—a ton, it doesn’t take long for her to become enthralled with the mysteries of Roanoke and its lost colony. And when Nell meets Ambrose, a quirky historical reenactor, they start exploring for clues as to what really happened to the lost colonists. As Nell and Ambrose’s discoveries of tantalizing evidence mount, mysterious things begin to happen. And someone—or something—is keeping watch over their quest for answers.
It looks like Nell will get the adventurous summer she was hoping for, and she will discover secrets not only about Roanoke, but about herself.
Nell Dare expected to spend her summer vacation hanging out with her friends in New York City. That is, until her botanist mom dragged her all the way to Roanoke Island for a research trip. To make matters worse, her father suddenly and mysteriously leaves town, leaving no explanation or clues as to where he went—or why.
While Nell misses the city—and her dad—a ton, it doesn’t take long for her to become enthralled with the mysteries of Roanoke and its lost colony. And when Nell meets Ambrose, a quirky historical reenactor, they start exploring for clues as to what really happened to the lost colonists. As Nell and Ambrose’s discoveries of tantalizing evidence mount, mysterious things begin to happen. And someone—or something—is keeping watch over their quest for answers.
It looks like Nell will get the adventurous summer she was hoping for, and she will discover secrets not only about Roanoke, but about herself.
304 pages, Paperback
First published May 24, 2016
31 people are currently reading
1089 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Behrens
6 books143 followersRebecca Behrens is the award-winning author of three critically acclaimed middle-grade novels that explore famous historical figures and fascinating places: When Audrey Met Alice, Summer of Lost and Found, and The Last Grand Adventure. Her thrillingly realistic survival story The Disaster Days is a Junior Library Guild selection, a Bank Street Best Children’s Book, and an ILA Teachers’ Choices selection. Her latest middle-grade adventure, Alone in the Woods, is now available. Rebecca grew up in Wisconsin, studied in Chicago, and now lives with her husband in New York City. You can visit her online to learn more about her books at www.rebeccabehrens.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
May 2, 2016
I started reading Summer of Lost and Found hoping to find a book to recommend to my elementary age students. We talk a lot about books and often make recommendations to each other, so I'm always on the look out for new books to share.
Summer of Lost and Found is an interesting story that many of my students would enjoy. The main character, Nell, faces real-life experiences that many children can relate to, including difficulties with friends and family and first crushes. Not to mention she's trying to work through all of that while trying to solve a historical mystery! It's especially interesting to note that the mystery Nell is working to solve is a real one that actually has NOT been solved yet! Rebecca Behrens definitely did her research.
All in all, I think the adventures of Nell, Lila, and Ambrose will appeal to young readers. I think it's a nice, refreshing change from the saturation of fantasy/dystopian novels in the middle grade/YA market. Don't get me wrong--my students and I ENJOY many of those fantasy/dystopian novels. But Summer of Lost and Found was a fun shift.
Summer of Lost and Found is an interesting story that many of my students would enjoy. The main character, Nell, faces real-life experiences that many children can relate to, including difficulties with friends and family and first crushes. Not to mention she's trying to work through all of that while trying to solve a historical mystery! It's especially interesting to note that the mystery Nell is working to solve is a real one that actually has NOT been solved yet! Rebecca Behrens definitely did her research.
All in all, I think the adventures of Nell, Lila, and Ambrose will appeal to young readers. I think it's a nice, refreshing change from the saturation of fantasy/dystopian novels in the middle grade/YA market. Don't get me wrong--my students and I ENJOY many of those fantasy/dystopian novels. But Summer of Lost and Found was a fun shift.
August 27, 2021
“‘I like to think that [the colonists are] still here, haunting the island.
… Find the ghosts, find the lost colonists.’”
My last read for *middle grade summer* was a fun and enjoyable read, which younger me would’ve totally loved.
Nell Dare’s parents are going through a possible separation, so Nell and her mom travel from NYC to Roanoke.
I enjoyed the writing and atmospheric setting of the island. Add in some history and some supernatural, and you get a great summer read.
((side note - I think the cover and description could be changed to better reflect the book))
… Find the ghosts, find the lost colonists.’”
My last read for *middle grade summer* was a fun and enjoyable read, which younger me would’ve totally loved.
Nell Dare’s parents are going through a possible separation, so Nell and her mom travel from NYC to Roanoke.
I enjoyed the writing and atmospheric setting of the island. Add in some history and some supernatural, and you get a great summer read.
((side note - I think the cover and description could be changed to better reflect the book))
February 8, 2015
I was lucky enough to read an early version of this book, and it is wonderful! I can't wait for the rest of the world to meet Nell and get caught up in the mysteries of Roanoke.
June 2, 2016
Nell's dad leaves abruptly leaving Nell to spend the summer with her mom on Roanoke Island researching the mother vine, a grape vine believed to be the oldest cultivated plant. Nell is not thrilled to be leaving New York and her friend Jade and all their summer plans. However, Roanoke starts to grow on her especially once she meets cute boy Ambrose and learns more about the disappearance of the original colonists. Nell and Ambrose start investigating the disappearance together. Nell's summer isn't what she thought it was be, but it just might be ok.
I have mixed feelings about this one. I really enjoyed the Roanoke location and the connection to the lost colony. I liked the fact that Ambrose and Nell were trying to investigate what happened to the colony. I even liked the twist at the end, which you can see coming from the very beginning. What I didn't like as much was Nell and some of her actions. She is the daughter of a botanist and a writer who has always lived in NY. She hangs out at her mom's museum, yet she thought it was ok to steal an artifact from another museum. She has questionable judgement throughout the book that doesn't seem to fit with the way she is shown. Her antagonism towards local girl, Lila, also seemed very over the top. I think I would have liked the story more if Nell's personality was a bit more consistent.
I received this book from Netgalley.
I have mixed feelings about this one. I really enjoyed the Roanoke location and the connection to the lost colony. I liked the fact that Ambrose and Nell were trying to investigate what happened to the colony. I even liked the twist at the end, which you can see coming from the very beginning. What I didn't like as much was Nell and some of her actions. She is the daughter of a botanist and a writer who has always lived in NY. She hangs out at her mom's museum, yet she thought it was ok to steal an artifact from another museum. She has questionable judgement throughout the book that doesn't seem to fit with the way she is shown. Her antagonism towards local girl, Lila, also seemed very over the top. I think I would have liked the story more if Nell's personality was a bit more consistent.
I received this book from Netgalley.
October 4, 2019
No matter who you are you will fall in love wit this book.
April 2, 2017
I love the historical mystery of The Lost Colony, but this middle grade novel falls short for me in several aspects. The frenemy relationship between Nell and Lila seems forced, and their antagonism isn't based on anything solid. The twist with Ambrose is too obvious from the very beginning, even for this age group.
Most importantly, Nell's decision to steal, not once but twice, seems out of character with how she is portrayed most of the time. Given that her mother works in a museum, it's not credible to me that she can rationalize stealing an artifact from another museum. It's not portrayed believably either; when first suggested, she vehemently proclaims that stealing is wrong, but a mere couple paragraphs later she agrees to not just help Ambrose, but she tries to take the object herself. When did she become a master criminal? Yet she knows how to determine the angle of security cameras and jimmy open a locked glass case.
Most importantly, Nell's decision to steal, not once but twice, seems out of character with how she is portrayed most of the time. Given that her mother works in a museum, it's not credible to me that she can rationalize stealing an artifact from another museum. It's not portrayed believably either; when first suggested, she vehemently proclaims that stealing is wrong, but a mere couple paragraphs later she agrees to not just help Ambrose, but she tries to take the object herself. When did she become a master criminal? Yet she knows how to determine the angle of security cameras and jimmy open a locked glass case.
June 21, 2022
A very interesting read. This book caught my eye at Barnes & Noble, with its adorable cover and intriguing back cover synopsis. The story itself was good with some surprises and twists. Liked this one.
books-i-read-during-my-childhood
October 8, 2025Lol, I remember just checking this book out at the library because of the cool cover when I was younger!
March 30, 2016
New Yorker, Nell Dare, is ready for a summer in the city with her BFF, but her parents squash that summer dream. Her dad has left suddenly and without explanation and her mom decides Nell will join her on her botany trip in NC. Once on Roanoke Island, Nell becomes enthralled with the mystery and history surrounding the Lost Colony of Roanoke. When she meets a young historical reenactor, Ambrose, the two set out to discover just what happened to the Lost Colony...but is someone or something out to stop them?!
Rebecca Behrens’ Summer of Lost and Found is a heartfelt and captivating tale, full of thrilling mystery, exciting discoveries, and clever humor. With a charming and fresh-as-summer voice, Summer of Lost and Found is enjoyable from start to finish. Behrens does a superb job of describing and laying out both the physical and historical aspects of Roanoke Island for readers. And the mysteries, twists, turns, and revelations are plentiful! Like Nell, young readers will be absolutely fascinated by the mystery surrounding the Lost Colony, and will have a blast searching for clues and learning all about the wondrous history of the island.
Smart, capable, and witty Nell is a delight! I love her curiosity and courage. Ambrose, with his reenactor clothing and speech, is such an endearing, quirky fellow. I really enjoyed their banter and interaction.
Behrens takes the sweet pair, and readers, on an unforgettable adventure and search for the truth, with many unexpected discoveries and revelations, that’s bursting with heart and tenderness.
My final thoughts: With its engaging characters, irresistible mystery, and oceans full of charm, Summer of Lost and Found is the perfect summer read!
Rebecca Behrens’ Summer of Lost and Found is a heartfelt and captivating tale, full of thrilling mystery, exciting discoveries, and clever humor. With a charming and fresh-as-summer voice, Summer of Lost and Found is enjoyable from start to finish. Behrens does a superb job of describing and laying out both the physical and historical aspects of Roanoke Island for readers. And the mysteries, twists, turns, and revelations are plentiful! Like Nell, young readers will be absolutely fascinated by the mystery surrounding the Lost Colony, and will have a blast searching for clues and learning all about the wondrous history of the island.
Smart, capable, and witty Nell is a delight! I love her curiosity and courage. Ambrose, with his reenactor clothing and speech, is such an endearing, quirky fellow. I really enjoyed their banter and interaction.
Behrens takes the sweet pair, and readers, on an unforgettable adventure and search for the truth, with many unexpected discoveries and revelations, that’s bursting with heart and tenderness.
My final thoughts: With its engaging characters, irresistible mystery, and oceans full of charm, Summer of Lost and Found is the perfect summer read!
December 30, 2016
This was cute...I guess. I picked this up from the library because I was still reeling from how much I loved Furthermore and I wanted another book that was just as fun and lighthearted, but I guess the universe wanted me to adore Furthermore even more (do you see what I did there? Furthermore, more. Yes, this is the quality humor I find entertaining), because Summer of Lost and Found was kind of a monotone blur.
I've been really spoiled lately with some great books. And this did pale in comparison.
I've been really spoiled lately with some great books. And this did pale in comparison.
December 7, 2016
This book was well-written and I especially loved the first paragraph. It did get me thinking about what I expect from historical fiction, which is good. The cover, although lovely, does not give any clue at all that this is a historical fiction mystery. And I think that the book itself was also conflicted about this. But it definitely got me thinking.
March 25, 2019
I have been reading thicker books lately, and this one was probably the first "Not So Big" book that I have read, and Oh Boy. I've got four words for it. This. Book. Was. Amazing. It was very capturing, and I was tempted to stay on my bed and read it in one sitting. The ghosts and all the history mashed up with the fact that Nell thought that she was working with Ambrose was brilliant.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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October 11, 2016This book was pretty god if you like mysteries then read this!
April 23, 2020
Loved this book. I could read it over and over!
March 8, 2023
Nell started off as such an unlikeable character but Behrens was able to provide so much nuance to the character as the story progressed and made her journey so impactful
November 11, 2023
Towards the end when I figured out Ambrose was a ghost, I got mad! Still a great book until up to that point! Definitely worth the read, this book can push you to wanna read more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2018
Although I think this book had some issues, I enjoyed this unique and hopeful take on Roanoke and the mystery. I will say, the cover is a little misleading. It's a tiny bit spooky, and not really cheerful for the most part. Although the island is lovely, the very smiley girl and the brightness of the illustration don't really tell the full story.
Behrens spins the eerie tale of the lost Roanoke colony into a fun and sweet, yet still mildly spooky, story about a girl on an island excursion with her botanist mother who is studying a very old grapevine on Roanoke. Nell isn't sure what all is going on with her parents, and she's missing her friends and her plans in the city. Yet while she accompanies her mother's plant-centric plans, she hears for the first time about the lost colony. It intrigues her. And thus her summer truly begins.
Behrens does a great job making the Roanoke story palatable to young readers while still retaining the essence of the suffering and misery that the colonists left behind would likely have felt. I think that readers from the West Coast (like myself) who didn't grow up hearing about Roanoke will be intrigued and delighted by the story. I also enjoyed Behrens' ability to create an atmosphere that felt like summer while still seeming just eerie enough to remind us that an entire colony vanished.
What I liked less were the somewhat unbelievable characters and the stiff speech. I didn't always buy the characters or their actions. They felt a little bit too rash at times, a little dramatic. I wanted some realism from the side characters. And many of them, not just the ones who had an excuse for it, had strange, stilted speech.
My biggest issue was that the book was so supremely obvious in where it was going. No surprises here. It didn't entirely stop it from being enjoyable, but I could have used a little more subtlety.
Summer of Lost and Found was a fun and mysterious story that had a predictable ending with a semi-satisfying payoff.
Behrens spins the eerie tale of the lost Roanoke colony into a fun and sweet, yet still mildly spooky, story about a girl on an island excursion with her botanist mother who is studying a very old grapevine on Roanoke. Nell isn't sure what all is going on with her parents, and she's missing her friends and her plans in the city. Yet while she accompanies her mother's plant-centric plans, she hears for the first time about the lost colony. It intrigues her. And thus her summer truly begins.
Behrens does a great job making the Roanoke story palatable to young readers while still retaining the essence of the suffering and misery that the colonists left behind would likely have felt. I think that readers from the West Coast (like myself) who didn't grow up hearing about Roanoke will be intrigued and delighted by the story. I also enjoyed Behrens' ability to create an atmosphere that felt like summer while still seeming just eerie enough to remind us that an entire colony vanished.
What I liked less were the somewhat unbelievable characters and the stiff speech. I didn't always buy the characters or their actions. They felt a little bit too rash at times, a little dramatic. I wanted some realism from the side characters. And many of them, not just the ones who had an excuse for it, had strange, stilted speech.
My biggest issue was that the book was so supremely obvious in where it was going. No surprises here. It didn't entirely stop it from being enjoyable, but I could have used a little more subtlety.
Summer of Lost and Found was a fun and mysterious story that had a predictable ending with a semi-satisfying payoff.
June 3, 2019
Adult rating: 4 stars
Kid rating: 4 stars
I'm sure I have a bias with this book, because I grew up vacationing on the Outer Banks and had parents with the good sense to take me to The Lost Colony outdoor theatrical performance. Needless to say, I've always been fascinated with the unknown fate of the first colony.
Nell's mother is a botanist who wants to study the grandmother vine, a grape variety thought to be brought over from England with the first settlers. It's located on a piece of property where a resort is being built, so she and Nell move to Roanoke Island, NC for the summer to do research. At first Nell is bummed. Being a New Yorker, she likes the city, and wants to hang out with her best friend. But Nell soon realizes the fun to be had biking around the small island. On her first visit to the bookstore, she meets an annoying, pretentious girl named Lily who fills her in on the mystery of the lost colony. Then, while visiting the First Settlement historical museum, she meets a boy re-enactor named Ambrose. He is also trying to solve the mystery. Nell and Ambrose hit it off, and begin traipsing all over the island looking for clues, all the while trying to stay away from Lily. There's a twist, but it’s pretty obvious.
This should be an easy sell for kids, especially ones who live in North Carolina or vacation in the OBX. This is a perfect beach read. The historical connection and the idea of a girl biking around an island in summer to solve a mystery make this book highly appealing. There's also a parent separation thing going on, which didn't add much to the story. I thought it fascinating that the Mother Vine is a real grapevine on Roanoke Island. Amazing history to be learned from this one.
Kid rating: 4 stars
I'm sure I have a bias with this book, because I grew up vacationing on the Outer Banks and had parents with the good sense to take me to The Lost Colony outdoor theatrical performance. Needless to say, I've always been fascinated with the unknown fate of the first colony.
Nell's mother is a botanist who wants to study the grandmother vine, a grape variety thought to be brought over from England with the first settlers. It's located on a piece of property where a resort is being built, so she and Nell move to Roanoke Island, NC for the summer to do research. At first Nell is bummed. Being a New Yorker, she likes the city, and wants to hang out with her best friend. But Nell soon realizes the fun to be had biking around the small island. On her first visit to the bookstore, she meets an annoying, pretentious girl named Lily who fills her in on the mystery of the lost colony. Then, while visiting the First Settlement historical museum, she meets a boy re-enactor named Ambrose. He is also trying to solve the mystery. Nell and Ambrose hit it off, and begin traipsing all over the island looking for clues, all the while trying to stay away from Lily. There's a twist, but it’s pretty obvious.
This should be an easy sell for kids, especially ones who live in North Carolina or vacation in the OBX. This is a perfect beach read. The historical connection and the idea of a girl biking around an island in summer to solve a mystery make this book highly appealing. There's also a parent separation thing going on, which didn't add much to the story. I thought it fascinating that the Mother Vine is a real grapevine on Roanoke Island. Amazing history to be learned from this one.
July 23, 2017
Nell had her whole summer in NYC with her best friend planned, until she comes home one day and her father's toothbrush is missing. Then her mother announces that her father has gone on a writing trip, and Nell has to come with her down to Roanoke Island for the summer, as she (the mother) investigates an ancient grape vine. Neither parent will tell Nell what's really going on. Roanoke turns out to be a lovely place, at least, and Nell learns about the missing colony mystery from an obnoxious girl she meets at the local bookstore. They quickly become enemies, and neither behaves very well towards the other. Nell meanwhile meets a young reenactor whose name I've already forgotten, and he and she decide they will solve the mystery of the missing colony. Because of course, it's just that easy. Searching for clues puts Nell in mortal danger, though, as a coastal storm sweeps in. Is the reenactor everything he claims to be? Who is he, really? And what really happened to the colony?
I thought I'd love this, and I did enjoy the setting, but overall it was just okay. Nell was often very hard to like, as she made really stupid decisions based on "it's okay because I want to" logic. I also just couldn't buy two kids spontaneously solving the mystery of the lost colony when hundreds of years of adults studying it had failed. Granted, they had help, but still, the premise just felt kind of ridiculous to me. And I figured out about the reenactor boy really early on--not much of a mystery there. So...disappointing, overall.
I thought I'd love this, and I did enjoy the setting, but overall it was just okay. Nell was often very hard to like, as she made really stupid decisions based on "it's okay because I want to" logic. I also just couldn't buy two kids spontaneously solving the mystery of the lost colony when hundreds of years of adults studying it had failed. Granted, they had help, but still, the premise just felt kind of ridiculous to me. And I figured out about the reenactor boy really early on--not much of a mystery there. So...disappointing, overall.
June 11, 2018
*SPOILER ALERT*
The Summer of Lost and Found was a great book club book for us this year. It sparked a lot of conversation, the making of theories, and sometimes leaves us on suspenseful moments that we wished that we could've read on. This book was about how Nell went on a last-minute excursion with her mom to Roanoke Island instead of hanging out with her friends in New York. Also, her father suddenly and mysteriously leaves Nell and her mom. However, when she arrives in Roanoke Island, she meets a new friend, Ambrose, and a very nosy girl called Lila who is a know-it-all for the Lost Colony of Roanoke Island. Together, Ambrose and Nell work together to figure out the mystery of the Lost Colony, in some cases nearly getting in a huge trouble with authority, such as Lila's dad. However, after a lot of researching and finding clues to solve the mystery, they finally conclude that they have to go on a boat, out to the middle of the ocean, and find the shipwreck. in the end, they do find the shipwreck while out at sea. However, while Ambrose was diving, a storm came along and it nearly killed Nell. Lila had to save Nell. She was worried about Ambrose because Nell was sure that she saw the boy. However, they never saw him. This led Nell to the conclusion that Ambrose is a ghost from the Lost Colony. It was because of how much he knew about the lost colony, and in the end, how long he can hold his breath underwater. All in all, I really think this is a great book, it's a mystery book combined with romance and friendship. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery!
The Summer of Lost and Found was a great book club book for us this year. It sparked a lot of conversation, the making of theories, and sometimes leaves us on suspenseful moments that we wished that we could've read on. This book was about how Nell went on a last-minute excursion with her mom to Roanoke Island instead of hanging out with her friends in New York. Also, her father suddenly and mysteriously leaves Nell and her mom. However, when she arrives in Roanoke Island, she meets a new friend, Ambrose, and a very nosy girl called Lila who is a know-it-all for the Lost Colony of Roanoke Island. Together, Ambrose and Nell work together to figure out the mystery of the Lost Colony, in some cases nearly getting in a huge trouble with authority, such as Lila's dad. However, after a lot of researching and finding clues to solve the mystery, they finally conclude that they have to go on a boat, out to the middle of the ocean, and find the shipwreck. in the end, they do find the shipwreck while out at sea. However, while Ambrose was diving, a storm came along and it nearly killed Nell. Lila had to save Nell. She was worried about Ambrose because Nell was sure that she saw the boy. However, they never saw him. This led Nell to the conclusion that Ambrose is a ghost from the Lost Colony. It was because of how much he knew about the lost colony, and in the end, how long he can hold his breath underwater. All in all, I really think this is a great book, it's a mystery book combined with romance and friendship. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery!
January 17, 2019
I really enjoyed this middle reader novel! It was full of quirky characters, mystery, adventure, history, an itty bitty touch of young love, and some real world drama. The story completely drew me in and kept me engaged.
My only beef with the story is the same one I have with many, many middle reader, YA fiction, Disney TV, etc... kids who are sneakily running amok without their parents' knowledge. I understand that parents' logic and wisdom and intervention would ruin most adventurous stories and then what would we read for fun? But it still makes me twitchy to read about kids doing whatever they darn well please with completely absent or oblivious parents, and it always makes me question whether I should recommend the books with this kind of issue to my 10 year old daughter. To the author's credit in this book, the main character, Nell, does have an involved, loving and protective mother. Nell just withholds information and does some dangerous sneaking around without mom's knowledge.
Hmmm. Sorry for the rant. Apparently it's been building up for a while, and this lovely book got caught in the cross fire. Whoops.
My only beef with the story is the same one I have with many, many middle reader, YA fiction, Disney TV, etc... kids who are sneakily running amok without their parents' knowledge. I understand that parents' logic and wisdom and intervention would ruin most adventurous stories and then what would we read for fun? But it still makes me twitchy to read about kids doing whatever they darn well please with completely absent or oblivious parents, and it always makes me question whether I should recommend the books with this kind of issue to my 10 year old daughter. To the author's credit in this book, the main character, Nell, does have an involved, loving and protective mother. Nell just withholds information and does some dangerous sneaking around without mom's knowledge.
Hmmm. Sorry for the rant. Apparently it's been building up for a while, and this lovely book got caught in the cross fire. Whoops.
September 10, 2019
Summer Lost and Found by Rebecca Behrens is a very entertaining novel about friendship, mystery, adventure, and history. The main character, Nell Dare does not want to go to Roanoke Island over her Summer vacation, however when she gets there she is enraptured by Roanoke’s secrets, meets new friends, and learns the truth about her family. During all this confusion on Roanoke, Nell believes her best friend has replaced her and her father has left her for good. This intriguing story shows us how important the truth is in understanding the world around us. Rebecca Behrens has a unique writing style that keeps readers engaged throughout the entire book waiting for the mystery to unravel further. She includes aspects of real life to help the reader understand and relate to her marvelous novel. Summer Lost and Found is a great thing to read when looking for a good book, especially over the summer.
July 26, 2022
Nell Dare has to tag along with her mother to the Outer Banks of NC. Her father was suddenly called out of town on a trip to London with no advance warning, which means she can't stay and hang out with her friends for the summer. Her mother is going to visit the Grandmother vine to research if the vine was around and/or can offer any clues to what happened to the "Lost" Roanoke Colony.
Upon arriving in Manteo, Nell meets an annoying, know-it-all, Lila, and decides she doesn't like her, but she does want to be the person to discover the long lost Lost Colony. Shortly after, she meets Ambrose, who is more than willing to search with her to try to find what happened to the colonists.
I plan to read this book with my students this year. There is a lot of history, along with a little exaggeration, in the narrative. Nell has more than one mystery to try to solve while she is in the Outer Banks with her mother and new friend Ambrose.
Upon arriving in Manteo, Nell meets an annoying, know-it-all, Lila, and decides she doesn't like her, but she does want to be the person to discover the long lost Lost Colony. Shortly after, she meets Ambrose, who is more than willing to search with her to try to find what happened to the colonists.
I plan to read this book with my students this year. There is a lot of history, along with a little exaggeration, in the narrative. Nell has more than one mystery to try to solve while she is in the Outer Banks with her mother and new friend Ambrose.
April 27, 2024
The Summer of Lost and Found is a middle grade book. It’s set in the Outer Banks on Roanoke Island. I recently vacationed there so it was extra fun reading this book. The history of the Lost Colony of Roanoke is a very interesting part of history and I thought it was neat to read a book set around that.
I don’t know how I feel about this book though overall. It definitely had potential. I liked parts and didn’t care for other parts. Some stuff that happened towards the end made the book so weird for me. I don’t believe in ghosts so having that aspect in the book made me go from enjoying the story to thinking the story was kind of lame.
Also, I didn’t enjoy the lying and sneaking around and stealing that happened.
So I did enjoy parts of the book but certain things definitely lowered my overall enjoyment.
I don’t know how I feel about this book though overall. It definitely had potential. I liked parts and didn’t care for other parts. Some stuff that happened towards the end made the book so weird for me. I don’t believe in ghosts so having that aspect in the book made me go from enjoying the story to thinking the story was kind of lame.
Also, I didn’t enjoy the lying and sneaking around and stealing that happened.
So I did enjoy parts of the book but certain things definitely lowered my overall enjoyment.
September 13, 2018
When I read this book, I was completely mind blown at how awesome it was! From the cover, I would’ve thought it was like a cliche middle school girl summer vacation book. But oh boy was I wrong! This book is a mystery about a girl named Nell. Her parents are divorced, and she moved to a tropical island for the summer. There, she discovers a mystery that she can’t pass up. It’s action packed, mysterious, and so much fun! The author describes an incredible story about a girl going through things that an average girl might go through, such as divorce and having to move from her home and her friends. It was kind of realistic, but not really, because some of it was, as I thought before, a bit cliche. I enjoyed the book, and I rate it a 10/10.
May 31, 2020
This was my read aloud with my 10-year-old. It strikes me as a pre-teen version of a “beach read.” It was missing a lot of that thing that makes a book grab a reader. I did like the setting of Roanoke and the mystery of the lost colony, which as a kid really fascinated me. But the mystery of the story, the big reveal, was so obvious it was almost painful. As well, there are other mysteries, such as what was going on between the parents, that felt forced and unnecessary. I don’t see how the big secret could be kept from her like that or why she never asked questions about it. These things made parts of the story feel contrived.
April 10, 2022
I LOVE this book. It has a supernatural touch to it. Nell is a very curious and interesting character to know about! I couldn't put my book down when I started it. I finished this book in an hour! Nell adjusting to country life, even though she lived in New York City and while her friends are enjoying summer, she's just sad she came to North Carolina until she met Roanoke, and started to explore the mysteries of his lost colony. It appears that Nell will have the eventful summer she desired, and she will uncover mysteries not just about Roanoke, but also about herself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2018
Im not gonna type something really long here because no one wants to read that. I found it an interesting quick read even though it didn't have that much content. It was cute and I recommend anyone who doesnt mind reading a light hearted book like this. SOOOOOO yeah thats what i thought about it. The rest is up to you.
May 19, 2018
I loved that the main character's mom is a botanist and how they wove some very interesting history into the story. And that the character's relationship with her parents was pretty believable and not overly dramatic, which I often find kind of hard to buy into.....
September 1, 2020
(Maybe more like 2.5, but I’m trying to think of this book from the perspective of the intended audience.) The story of Nell is fine. I think young girls would think it’s fun. However, I like historical fiction to read more like a history, and not a fantasy.
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