Gaby, Lost and Found: A Wish Novel

I got to see the author speak at my local university just a few weeks ago, which is how I learned of this first novel of hers. I read it, and discovered it's not only clearly geared for late-elementary and middle-school readers, but also engaging enough for an adult like me. Gaby (the narrator) attends sixth grade at a school run by nuns; she awaits the return of her mom who was unexpectedly deported to Honduras, and Gaby's dad is often absent from home. A class field trip to an animal shelter inspires Gaby to hone her talents in promoting adoption of the dogs and cats there. Gaby describes her interactions with her best friend Alma, plus a pair of rambunctious neighborhood boys, and even peers who bully Gaby due to her mom's undocumented status. Along the way, Gaby learns good intentions aren't always carried out correctly, and while she maintains long-distance communication with her mom, her expectations are given a dose of reality. The novel's English text includes bits of Spanish, reflective of Gaby's community which apparently is predominantly Latino, and of Gaby's mom who introduced her to foods and songs from her home country.

I’m a sucker for stray animals and have more than once scooped up a roaming dog and delivered him to a non-kill animal shelter. So, Angela Cervantes had me from Chapter 1, which places the protagonist Gaby up a tree trying to rescue a cat. From this point on, Cervantes presents Gaby’s story with a great mix of heart-wrenching moments and humor. Some parts of the book are light and soooo middle school–I know, I teach in one–while other parts deal with the more serious issue of deportation and the effects on children when a parent is gone. Since her mother has been deported to Honduras, Gaby must live with her father, who is ill-equipped to raise a sixth-grade girl. Gaby would much rather live with her best friend Alma and her family. Better yet would be if her mom were able to come back home, but this trip is expensive and dangerous. Cervantes parallels Gaby’s situation with the sixth-grade class community project at the Furry Friends Animal Shelter. Both the animals and Gaby have less than ideal living arrangements are in need of new permanent homes. During the community service project, Gaby has the special job of writing descriptions of the animals on fliers that will be displayed around town and on the shelter’s website. Eventually, Gaby writes a flier for herself. In part it reads: Gaby Ramirez Howard: …Three months ago, my mom was deported, and now I live with my father, who looks at me like I’m just another job he wants to quit. I’m seeking a home where I can invite my best friend over and have a warm breakfast a couple times a week. Waffles and scrambled eggs are my favorite! GAH! My heart, Angela Cervantes!! In between the chapters that caused me to clutch my heart and give my daughter random hugs, I literally laughed out loud. Scenes with the four friends–Gaby, Alma, Enrique, and Marcos–are hysterical. In one, Alma, who is trying to train a spirited shelter dog named Spike, tests the commands on the boys. “Back! Down! Sit and stay!†In another scene, three firefighters arrive at the shelter to adopt a dog for the firehouse. Alma says to the other girls, “Let’s go see what’s smoking,†and then the girls nickname each of the cute firefighters: Hottie, Smokey, and Sizzler. Very funny. If you are a middle school teacher, librarian, or parent, you should have a copy of this book on your shelf.

Teachers, parents, librarians and young readers get this book! When Gaby and her classmates, are tasked with helping the local animal shelter find homes for cast-off cats and dogs, they take their jobs seriously. That's just one of the storylines in this poignant tale about deportation, friendship, family, and animal companions. Cervantes writes about a population not usually seen in middle readers' literature, children who are American citizens whose parents are "illegals." And, Gaby, whose mother is deported to Honduras, is just like every other sixth grader; a kid who wants a stable home, food on the table, and the love of her family and an animal companion. As the director of a humane education program in a local shelter, I'd love to have Gaby (Cervantes) help write some of our adoption notices.

This book is wonderful for animal lovers. It's certainly isn't exquisite literature (lots of modern phrases that Adults won't understand) but it's great for the younger animal lover in the family. You probably will like this book less if you aren't a big animal lover as, besides the animals, all it has going is a somewhat lack luster side story about the main character Gaby going through the revelation that her Mom in Mexico is not coming home. But other than that, it's a pretty wonderful book.

Gaby, Lost and Found, is one terrific book! It is a page turner! It handles current political issues with kid gloves, such as how deportation affects families. Interwoven within this book are mini biographies about shelter pets, as Gaby, the main character, is a volunteer at a local animal shelter. We follow Gaby on a heartwarming journey of trial and tribulation as she tries to piece together a makeshift family, after her mother, the bedrock of her family is unexpectedly deported while at work one day. This is a must read. Recently, we hosted author Angela Cervantes, via Skype, at our elementary school. Our 4th grade students read her book, Gaby, Lost and Found, ahead of time to prepare for this virtual visit. Our experience was beyond expectation. Ms. Cervantes is throughly professional and extremely personable. Her love of the writing process and sharing that process with students was evident from start to finish. Ms. Cervantes started with a slide show about her life and work, and spoke about how personal experiences influence her writing. She made the presentation interactive by asking students to read passages aloud from her book and encouraged questions from the audience. Ms. Cervantes answered each student question thoughtfully and although our Skype session was supposed to last 30 minutes, she ensured every student with a question had a chance to ask it, bringing our session closer to 40 minutes. If you are looking for a way to incorporate a virtual author visit into your school's reading program, Angela Cervantes is a terrific choice.

This is a marvelous middle-grade book for both girls and boys alike. Adults will enjoy it greatly, too - this one sure did. Gaby is well-developed character with whom I related easily. She and the animals won my heart, and I found myself with tears in my eyes on more than one occasion. Her relationship with her mother, especially, broke my heart. Hope is eternal, right? (Future book, perhaps, for adults - the story of Gaby's mother?) Cervantes' writing style flows wonderfully well and kept me turning the pages to see what happened next. Thank you for touching my heart with this story - it will stay with me for a long time.

I'm a fan of older YA novels, but this one Middle Grade novel was absolutely lovely. The writing held my interest, the subject matter was treated in an empathic manner and I could see this story as one which could open up discussions for children and teens. The writer had the right balance of action and introspection with an original but believable voice, especially with the young teenage boys. I enjoyed reading the story, which is a quick read, and becoming immersed in the novel. This is a book I'd give to my nieces or nephews, or any child or teen who has suffered loss.

Gaby a young girl finds herself in a situation she just can't handle. Can she get it together in time for the barkabalooza? Find out in Gaby Lost and Found!