A Field Guide to Getting Lost - by Joy McCullough (Paperback)

About the Book

Told from two viewpoints, STEM-oriented Sutton and imaginative, artistic Luis, ages nine and ten, must find some common ground when her father and his mother start dating seriously.

Book Synopsis

"A cozy and enjoyable read." --Kirkus Reviews
"The likable cast and relatable premise will resonate with readers grappling with the uncertainty of change." --Booklist

A girl with a passion for science and a boy who dreams of writing fantasy novels must figure out how to get along now that their parents are dating in this lively, endearing novel.

Sutton is having robot problems. Her mini-bot is supposed to be able to get through a maze in under a minute, but she must have gotten something wrong in the coding. Which is frustrating for a science-minded girl like Sutton--almost as frustrating as the fact that her mother probably won't be home in time for Sutton's tenth birthday.

Luis spends his days writing thrilling stories about brave kids, but there's only so much inspiration you can find when you're stuck inside all day. He's allergic to bees, afraid of dogs, and has an overprotective mom to boot. So Luis can only dream of daring adventures in the wild.

Sutton and Luis couldn't be more different from each other. Except now that their parents are dating, these two have to find some common ground. Will they be able to navigate their way down a path they never planned on exploring?

Review Quotes

"Offers a realistic snapshot of modern families and the challenges that arise when trying to blend them. . . . The likable cast and relatable premise will resonate with readers grappling with the uncertainty of change."--Booklist

"With chapters switching narrative focus between the two protagonists, their inner turmoil is handled with sensitivity, creating a character-driven tale that doesn't skimp on plot. . . . The notable representation of female characters in diverse STEM fields is heartening. Minor perils and likable characters make for a cozy and enjoyable read."--Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Joy McCullough writes books and plays from her home in the Seattle area, where she lives with her husband and two children. She is the author of the middle grade novels Across the Pond, A Field Guide to Getting Lost, Not Starring Zadie Louise, Code Red, Kestrel Takes Flight, and Basil & Dahlia, as well as the middle grade series Team Awkward and the picture books Harriet's Ruffled Feathers, Champ and Major: First Dogs, and The Story of a Book. Her debut novel Blood Water Paint was longlisted for the National Book Award and was a William C. Morris Debut Award Finalist. Visit her at JoyMcCullough.com.