Cheryl Blackford's debut novel is set in England during World War II and told from the dual perspectives of ten-year-old Lizzie, a homesick girl evacuated from bomb-blitzed Hull to the remote Yorkshire valley, and Elijah, a local gypsy boy. When Lizzie discovers an abandoned baby, her dangerous friendship with Elijah is put to the test. Will Lizzie be able to find the baby's parents? And if she does, can she and Elijah remain friends in a world clouded by prejudice and fear?
"...the prose is precise, direct, and accessible, vividly calling up the drizzly fog and green pastures of the countryside without falling victim to overwrought descriptions. Lizzie’s questioning of the decision-making of the adults around her will likely appeal to young readers learning that being grown up does not necessarily translate to being wise." —Bulletin "This tale will capture the minds of middle-grade readers and leave them wanting to find out more about World War II and treatment of children during this time, as well as treatment of the Gypsies in England." —VOYA "Blackford alludes throughout to The Secret Garden, Lizzie’s favorite book, and this promising novel has a similar setting and thought-provoking plot written in simple but affecting language." —Publishers Weekly "A satisfying chapter book with a well-realized historical setting and a stout-hearted heroine." —Booklist "Blackford¹s straight-to-the-heart prose brings a Yorkshire village and its inhabitants lovingly to life in this sweet and tender story. It¹s impossible not to be smitten with Lizzie, who not only finds a lost baby, but courage, friendship, justice, and a way forward in her new life." —Margi Preus, New York Timesbest-selling author and Newbery Honor winner of Heart of a Samurai "Familiar and inviting, Lizzie and the Lost Baby is the sort of book that feels like a friend." —Caroline Starr Rose, author of May B and Blue Birds "Inspiring and unfailingly honest. Written in authentic language and poetic prose, Ms. Blackford¹s gripping story is one that young readers everywhere will long remember." —Eileen Beha, author of The Secrets of Eastcliff-by-the-Sea "Empowering..Blackford masterfully brings this era to life in this simple, yet compelling story. A delightful read!" —Mary Casanova, author of The Klipfish Code "The kind of book I would have gulped down as a kid. With beautiful language and cultural and emotional complexity, Blackford brings us two characters who, when failed by adults, must navigate their own moral pathways. Love this book!" —Pat Schmatz, author of Bluefish
