YA fantasy, boy returns home, family doesn't recognize him--they are very old and he hasn't changed, also something involving math

[Sarah]

I vaguely remember reading this book when I was a child--it was mostly about some boy who goes to this other land or place where there are all kinds of mathematical creatures, sort of a strange Alice in Wonderland sort of land. When he finally gets free he comes back to find that his parents are elderly and don't remember him--they may have moved and he has to track them down, but a lot of time has past.

[The Sheila]

Sarah--This is a longshot, but might it be Juster's The Phantom Tollbooth? See what you think: http://www.amazon.com/Phantom-Tollboo...

[Lisa]

No, it's not The Phantom Tollbooth. One of my favorite books of all time. The beginning part is slightly similar but the ending is completely different. It just isn't the book, if Sarah's description holds. Highly recommend the book to those who haven't yet read it though!

[The Sheila]

Yeah, I knew was fudging on the ending, but I thought there might be a case of mixed plots there. Plus, who can pass up a chance to recommend The Phantom Tollbooth? ^__^

[Lisa]

The, yeah, mixed plot confusion does happen, and any opportunity to mention The Phantom Tollbooth is worthwhile. ;-)

[Cairnraiser]

Sarah, I doubt this is it either, but Clive Barker's Thief of Always has a boy being caught in a magic house, and when he does leave he returns to find his parents have aged - though I believe they thought he had died when he disappeared. It's a combination horror/fantasy for the YA crowd.

[Sarah]

I think I might be confusing two books--my memory is fuzzy. The phantom tollbooth sounds familiar. But I'm still trying to remember where I read about a boy who returns from a journey to find his parents have grown old why he has remained young.

[rivka]

But I'm still trying to remember where I read about a boy who returns from a journey to find his parents have grown old why he has remained young.

Sounds like Flight of the Navigator.

[Rachel]

I agree with Rivka, sounds very like Flight of the Navigator. Was there a book which the film was based on, perhaps?

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Sarah, what book did you think this was? Was it that book?

[Rainbowheart]

The Door in the Lake has similarities to Flight of the Navigator!

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Lobstergirl wrote: "Sarah, what book did you think this was? Was it that book?"

No response in 6 years. Moving to Abandoned.