Lost in the Sun by Lisa Graff is a realistic fiction novel set in present day about a young man named Trent, who is, in every sense of the word, lost. The novel explores some heavy topics, such as death, guilt, friendship, broken families, and second chances. The novel is 289 pages, so it is a bit on the longer side and could be a better fit for readers looking for a longer commitment in a book. Lisa Graff's writing style is relatable to teens and she is able to create very realistic characters.
Trent is a typical teenage boy, except for one thing - a hockey puck he hit took the life of a classmate named Jared. The incident was an accident, an unfortunate event that took place when Trent jumped in at the last minute in a hockey game on the frozen lake in February. The puck hit Jared in the chest, and an autopsy revealed a heart defect no one knew Jared had. The novel does not tell the details of what happened that day, but rather the events that happened later. Trent is left with an incredible amount of guilt and anger, a family that is broken, and friends that have forsaken him. Trent is lost and left to navigate the hardships of middle school alone with only his Book of Thoughts to help him. He is mad at himself, mad at his dad, mad at his friends, and mad at anyone who tries to get in his way. Trent is in a self-destructive pattern of withdrawing from the things and people he once loved. He has all but given up on school and his family. He has a dad who believes he has blown his only shot you get in the world, a mother who wants to help but doesn't know how, and friends who no longer see him as the funny guy who was good at sports. But Trent meets another who is an outcast - a girl named Fallon Little. Fallon had an accident several years earlier that has left her with a large scar from her eye, down her face, and connecting to her mouth. Trent and Fallon spark a unexpected friendship at a cafeteria lunch table and she might be just the friend Trent needs to be able to see past Jared's death. Trent desperately needs a friend - someone who believes in him and it willing to give him another chance.
The novel Lost in the Sun is a great read for middle school readers. The topics covered in the book are on the heavy side - death, grief, loss, anger - and the novel does have its share of profanity, so this is a true middle school book and probably better for more mature readers. However, the book is great for readers struggling with loss and the uncertainty associated with it. Both male and female readers will be able to relate to Trent and the struggles he goes through - not just in the loss of Jared, but with his family's divorce and the acceptance of his stepmom and new baby sister. As a teacher myself, Trent's relationship with his dreaded homeroom teacher, Mrs. Emerson (who Trent calls an "old crone"), reminded me of the importance of my own role in a child's life who is dealing with grief and trauma and how one single, simple act can give someone purpose in a life they feel is meaningless. Readers struggling with these heavy topics, or even friends of people struggling with these heavy topics, will be able to relate to Trent's emotions and situations.
