Lost in the Sun

Lisa Graff
50 pages1-hour read
Fiction
Novel
Middle Grade
Published in 2015

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Book Brief

Lisa Graff

Lost in the Sun

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2015
Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Children`s Literature

•

Modern Classic Fiction

•

Realistic Fiction
Setting

2010s

Theme
Family

•

Friendship

•

Forgiveness
Topic
Grief & Death

•

Sports
First Publication Year

2015

Publisher

Philomel Books

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

700L

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Super Short Summary

In Lost in the Sun, middle schooler Trent Zimmerman struggles with guilt, self-loathing, and anger after the accidental death of his hockey teammate, Jared. Isolated from friends and sports, Trent slowly heals through an unexpected friendship with Fallon Little, a cinephile with a prominent facial scar. Together, they navigate their personal traumas, learning the importance of empathy and understanding. Accidental death and trauma are central themes in the book.

Emotional

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.1

7,963 ratings

76%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Lost in the Sun by Lisa Graff presents a profound exploration of guilt and healing through a tragic storyline. Reviewers laud the complex character development and emotional depth, but some criticize the pacing as slow. Overall, it’s praised for its realistic portrayal of grief and redemption, making it a compelling read for middle-grade audiences.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Lost in the Sun?

Fans of emotionally gripping middle-grade fiction will enjoy Lisa Graff's Lost in the Sun. Similar to readers of Wonder by R.J. Palacio and Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson, they will appreciate the poignant exploration of grief, redemption, and healing through the eyes of a relatable young protagonist.

4.1

7,963 ratings

76%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

A 12-year-old boy struggling with guilt and trauma after a tragic accident during a hockey game, which impacts his relationships with friends and family.

A classmate of Trent's with a distinctive facial scar, who becomes an unexpected friend and shares a passion for movies, supporting him as they navigate their respective challenges.

Doug is Trent's younger brother known for humor and pranks, while Aaron is his supportive older brother, both playing roles in Trent's journey through familial struggles and reconciliation.

Trent's sixth-grade teacher, who, despite initial tensions, becomes a guiding figure in helping him learn to mend relationships and move toward personal growth.

Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Children`s Literature

•

Modern Classic Fiction

•

Realistic Fiction
Setting

2010s

Theme
Family

•

Friendship

•

Forgiveness
Topic
Grief & Death

•

Sports
First Publication Year

2015

Publisher

Philomel Books

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

700L

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