LOST IN THE SUN by Lisa Graff.  Philomel Books, 2015.  304p. ISBN 978-0399164064 hc. $16.99    Gr. 4-6   JUV FIC

This story opens memorably as Trent and his brothers put coins into an arcade machine that tries to pick up a plushy prize with a mechanical claw.  Week after week the boys try for a prize, only to find out the claw isn't strong enough to lift any of the toys out of the tightly packed pile.  Life isn't always what it seems; and from Trent's 12 year-old perspective, it's getting worse. In the past few months, he's been rude to his father, disrespectful to his teachers, and picked fights with his classmates.  He has real trust issues with his father, stepmother, and new baby sister.  His mom and brothers are still talking to him, but he's pushing them away also.  Ever since he hit a hockey puck into a teammate which resulted in his death, Trent thinks everyone hates him and is acting accordingly.  But then, Fallon Little enters the picture and triggers his curiosity with her odd clothes and attention to detail.  He seems to stay out of trouble with Fallon around, until one incident that alienates both Fallon and his mom, leaving Trent completely without emotional support.  Very slowly and intentionally, he starts to repair the relationships he destroyed in the past few months - with some surprising results. 
Lynette Suckow, Superiorland Preview Center, Marquette, MI