At the Edge of Lost

Gr 4-8–Brockenbrough’s sophomore middle-grade title delivers an emotionally charged survival tale centered on family, resilience, and an unbreakable human-animal bond between a teen and his beloved dog. Caleb wants nothing more than stability after years of moving for his parents’ State Department postings. Staying with his grandfather Poppy in a senior-living community with his best-friend (and dog) Ronan, is comfortable if untraditional—until a virulent avian flu outbreak upends everything. When Poppy falls ill and Caleb is whisked into quarantine, circumstances require Ronan be left behind. Ronan will not be separated from Caleb in his time of need and escapes to find his boy, navigating a world full of human and natural hazards. Told in alternating perspectives—Caleb’s anxious, determined voice and Ronan’s soulful, perceptive one—the narrative explores loss, loyalty, and survival against a backdrop of isolation and uncertainty. The author’s portrayal of pandemic anxiety feels authentic and timely without overwhelming the story’s heart. Caleb has already lived through a pandemic and understands the threats are real. However, the dog’s point of view is a standout feature, offering emotional immediacy and a poignant counterbalance to Caleb’s turmoil. Themes of love, responsibility, and hope resonate deeply, making this an ideal pick for readers drawn to stories of animal loyalty or classics like White Fang.