Mister Max: The Book of Lost Things
Common Sense says
age 8+
Intriguing tale of boy as detective after parents vanish.
- Cynthia Voigt
- Mystery
- 2013
Parents say
age 7+
Based on 1 review
Kids say
age 8+
Based on 1 review
Get it now
Searching for streaming and purchasing options ...
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Get it now on
Searching for streaming and purchasing options ...
Did this review miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive, diverse representations in books, TV shows, and movies. Want to help us help them? Suggest a diversity update
Suggest an update Mister Max: The Book of Lost Things
A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
Educational Value
Positive Role Models & Representations
Violence & Scariness
Language
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Max's parents are mysteriously absent in Mister Max: The Book of Lost Things. Max doesn't know if they've abandoned him or fallen victim to misfortune. He strives to avoid lying but resorts to disguising himself in his investigative work as a "solutioneer." The wealthy families in Max's town are not portrayed favorably, but Max -- who's not well off -- finds a way to work with class differences rather than chafe at them. The book is the first in a planned trilogy.
Stay up to date on new reviews.
Get full reviews, ratings, and advice delivered weekly to your inbox.
Subscribe
User Reviews
- Parents say
- Kids say
A Contrived Tale
This book was a huge disappointment, particularly as I bought it new, in hard cover, and was initially expecting an unusual and intriguing tale. There's si... Continue reading
Great characters, loose plotline
The character development is really nice here and it really feels like many characters are actually familiar by the end of the book. The plot line is followed k... Continue reading
What's the story?
Max is used to his parents' theatrics -- they're actors, and a little drama and self-absorption are to be expected. But when he arrives at the dock to join them on a journey to India, where they're to create a theatrical company for a maharajah, he finds no sign of the ship or of his parents. They've gone. Did they abandon him? Were they deceived? All Max knows is that he's alone. His Grammie next door can help him, but he must get work and find his own way. Max soon discovers he has a knack for finding things. Disguised in his parents' costumes, he turns his talent for problem-solving to practical -- and profitable -- use. As good as he is at helping others, however, Max finds the mystery of his missing parents stubbornly perplexing.
Is it any good?
Voigt is a skilled writer, and her prose and pacing may challenge younger children. Patient readers who enjoy connecting the dots will savor a nuanced mystery with the promise of more satisfying adventures as the trilogy unfolds.
In MISTER MAX: THE BOOK OF LOST THINGS, Cynthia Voigt -- author of Homecoming -- presents another resourceful child left to fend without parents. Max, challenged to prove his independence at age 12, is a perceptive and resourceful old soul. An atypical 12-year-old, he's often mistaken for an adult: He never seems to want to play, or shirk responsibility, or act selfishly. That may sound dreary, but he's a charming hero who grows on you.
Talk to your kids about ...
- Families can talk about Max's mix of honesty and deceit. He avoids outright lies yet isn't fully honest. Is the distinction important? Is he justifying immoral behavior, or is he doing the right thing?
Absent parents are a common theme in children's stories. Why do you think this is?
Max dons disguises and adopts the mannerisms of theatrical characters when he's on the job. How does this help him?
Book details
- Author: Cynthia Voigt
- Illustrator: Iacopo Bruno
- Genre: Mystery
- Topics: Adventures, Great Boy Role Models
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Random House Children's Books
- Publication date: September 10, 2013
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 8 - 12
- Number of pages: 400
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: June 19, 2019
Our editors recommend
A cliff-hanging orphan adventure wrapped in black humor.
age 9+
For kids who love mystery and adventure
Themes & Topics
Top advice and articles
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.