Lily and the Lost Boy

by Paula Fox

Eleven-year-old Lily has grown closer to her thirteen-year-old brother Paul during the spring their family has spent on the Greek island Thasos, until the unpredictable behavior of another American boy disrupts their lives.

Genres: Childrens, Fiction

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1987

About the author

Paula Fox was an American author of novels for adults and children and two memoirs. Her novel The Slave Dancer (1973) received the Newbery Medal in 1974; and in 1978, she was awarded the Hans Christian Andersen Medal. More recently, A Portrait of Ivan won the Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis in 2008.

A teenage marriage produced a daughter, Linda, in 1944. Given the tumultuous relationship with her own biological parents, she gave the child up for adoption. Linda Carroll, the daughter Fox gave up for adoption, is the mother of musician Courtney Love.

Fox then attended Columbia University, married the literary critic and translator Martin Greenberg, raised two sons, taught, and began to write.

Reviews

[Serena Nottingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recently, I’ve taken to reading more children’s books. It seems that children say things simply and more truthfully than most grown ups do.

I don’t believe this is a well known book, but I wish it was. The story of the “Corey’s” and their summer on the Greek Isles is enchanting. So simply and yet so beautifully depicted, Fox tells a story that I truly felt a part of and could easily envision. I wanted to walk the streets with the children and smell the smells, hear the voices and noises. This book touches on loneliness, neglect, and friendship. If you haven’t read this book, please do.

[Kaylee H · Rating 3 out of 5]

LILY AND THE LOST BOY by Paula Fox. I found this book in the library the title was what made me want to read this book. Then I started reading the first couple of pages and it seemed like a good book so I got it. The character's in this book is Lily, her brother Paul, and his friend Jack. The setting is on a Greek island named Thasos.
Lily and Paul meets Jack at the small harbor. Jack and Paul became friend's. Lily didn't like Jack to well because he was causing trouble and, taking the attention away from her. She was jealous of him. As they were leaving Paul was sad that he had to leave Jack behind. Then Lily realized maybe Jack wasn't as bad as she thought and, tryed to get his mind off of it and go set down.
I liked the ending she couldn't have made the ending any better. If she went a different way about it I don't think it would be as good. My personal opinion of this book is it's ok is not the greatest of all time or anything. I haven't read a book that reminds me of this book it's very original. If you like books that deal with Greek history then this is the book for you.

[Books Kids Like · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lily Corey and her family are living in Limena, Greece on the island of Thasos. Lily's father, on sabbatical from his university job, is writing a book on the Children's Crusade. On this trip, Lily and her brother Paul have a chance to become close. Mutual camaraderie replaces their usual bickering and teasing. Then Jack Hemmings enters the picture, and everything changes back. Paul befriends Jack and ignores Lily. She doesn't like the way Paul follows Jack around willing to join in any foolish prank Jack devises. The first time they meet, Jack and Paul overturn the tables and chairs at a small beach cafe. Later in the evening, Lily returns to straighten up and finds Jack sleeping in the cafe's kitchen. She gains insight into the vulnerability behind his bravado, but remains uncomfortable with his wild energy. The boys' friendship ends when Jack's need for excitement goes too far.
©2024 Kathy Maxwell at https://bookskidslike.com

[Janwelch · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lily and the Lost Boy was not as good as I hoped it would be. It does give some insight to the Greek Islands.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am re readiing all the childrens books I have.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book - quiet and perceptive and sad. Fox paints a vivid picture of the Greek island Thasos, capturing the way old and new live alongside each other.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

slow moving and detailed. Interesting and moving. Liked how Lily overcame her jealousy and had compassion and acted upon it.

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wonderful description of life on a Greek Island in simpler times. Thoughtful, interesting.

[Catherine Mustread · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book, but most kids would classify this as boring, not much action.