The Lost Boy's Gift
Henry Holt and Company (BYR) 2019
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- divorce
- starting over
- intergenerational friendship
- community
- healing
- acceptance
- self-discovery
- mindfulness
About this book
Nine-year-old Daniel has to move across the country with his mom after his parents’ divorce, and he brings a suitcase full of anger to his new home on While-a-Way Lane. There he meets a circle of neighbors—especially a kindly Lemonade Lady—who help him slow down and notice the small wonders around him. As Daniel learns to pay attention, he begins to discover his own gift and a way to belong in a new place. A gentle, heartfelt story perfect for middle-grade readers who like character-driven books about family change, healing, and community.
Setting: a quiet suburban lane in a small town, present day
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Lost Boy's Gift right for my child?
Yes — The Lost Boy's Gift is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.7, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include divorce, starting over, intergenerational friendship.
How long does it take to read The Lost Boy's Gift?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, The Lost Boy's Gift takes around 5.0h to finish. The book has 45,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Lost Boy's Gift have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Lost Boy's Gift has an AR quiz available, worth 6 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is The Lost Boy's Gift?
The Lost Boy's Gift has an AR reading level of 4.7, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.