The Lost Language by Claudia Mills - AVERAGE

 The Lost Language by Claudia Mills. 304 pages. Holiday House, 2021. $17

 Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: PG (alcoholism, attempted suicide); Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - AVERAGE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

In Benson Colorado, 11yo Betsy (Elizabeth) and her very outspoken best friend Lizard (also Elizabeth) try to save the dying language Guernesiais (the native language of people from the British Isle of Guernsey) as a surprise for Betsy’s mom who is a linguist who studies dying languages. Through their journey of trying to learn the lost language and help other 7th graders learn the language, they discover the need to use their own language (English) to express their own feelings to save friendships and family relationships. 

The book was written in verse. It was a very effective way of presenting the story as it allowed for the main characters thoughts to be expressed in an organized and poignant fashion. So many aspects of their families, friendships, and their middle school experience were relatable. The reader cheers for Betsy when she says what she feels. There is excellent catharsis, especially at the end. The Lost Language would be great for a poetry unit or a psychology class. School councilors could also use this book. 

Reviewer: Julia N.