Description
Discover the captivating verse novel that explores the urgent quest to save endangered languages and the complex dynamics of friendship. This brand new trade paperback edition, published in 2023 by RANDOM HOUSE US, is perfect for young readers and lovers of poignant storytelling. In 'The Lost Language', we follow sixth grader Betsy and her best friend Lizard as they confront the reality that thousands of languages are on the brink of extinction. Betsy, inspired by her mother, a linguistics professor, learns about the dying language of Guernesiais, native to the Isle of Guernsey, France. Eager to make a difference, Lizard ignites a passion within Betsy, urging her to actively participate in the preservation of this near-extinct language. However, as they delve deeper into their project, they encounter unexpected challenges that strain their friendship. Themes of independence, loss, and the essence of communication are beautifully woven into this exquisite narrative, a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection that resonates with both readers and educators. Ideal for schools and libraries focusing on language preservation and character growth, this book will leave you questioning whether lost friendships, like lost languages, can ever truly be reclaimed. Shipping is fast and reliable, ensuring that this valuable addition to your bookshelf arrives promptly. Don't miss out on this must-have title that beautifully merges adventure with social awareness.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780823452507
Format: Trade paperback (UK)
Year: 2023
Publisher: RANDOM HOUSE US
Description:
The quest to save the words of a dying language - and to find the words to save what may be a dying friendship - lies at the heart of this exquisite verse novel.
Sixth grader Betsy is the one who informs her best friend, Lizard, that thousands of the world's languages are currently threatened by extinction; Betsy's mother is a linguistics professor working frantically to study dying languages before they are lost forever. But it is Lizard who, gripped by the magnitude of this loss, challenges Betsy, "What if, instead of WRITING about dying languages, like your mom, you and I SAVED one instead?"
As the girls embark on their quest to learn as much as possible of the near-extinct language of Guernesiais (spoken on the Isle of Guernsey, off the coast of France), their friendship faces unexpected strains. With Lizard increasingly obsessed with the language project, Betsy begins to seek greater independence from her controlling and charismatic friend, as well as from her controlling and charismatic mother. Then tragedy threatens Betsy's life beyond what any words can express, and Lizard does something unthinkable.
Maybe lost friendships, like lost languages, can never be completely saved.
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780823452507
Format: Trade paperback (UK)
Year: 2023
Publisher: RANDOM HOUSE US
Description:
The quest to save the words of a dying language - and to find the words to save what may be a dying friendship - lies at the heart of this exquisite verse novel.
Sixth grader Betsy is the one who informs her best friend, Lizard, that thousands of the world's languages are currently threatened by extinction; Betsy's mother is a linguistics professor working frantically to study dying languages before they are lost forever. But it is Lizard who, gripped by the magnitude of this loss, challenges Betsy, "What if, instead of WRITING about dying languages, like your mom, you and I SAVED one instead?"
As the girls embark on their quest to learn as much as possible of the near-extinct language of Guernesiais (spoken on the Isle of Guernsey, off the coast of France), their friendship faces unexpected strains. With Lizard increasingly obsessed with the language project, Betsy begins to seek greater independence from her controlling and charismatic friend, as well as from her controlling and charismatic mother. Then tragedy threatens Betsy's life beyond what any words can express, and Lizard does something unthinkable.
Maybe lost friendships, like lost languages, can never be completely saved.
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection