Read our Q&A with ‘Lolo’s Light’ author Liz Garton Scanlon.Ivy and Paul hatch a secret plan to find Ivy’s missing mom and say good-bye to the space shuttle in this heartfelt and “engaging debut novel” ( School Library Journal, starred review) reminiscent of Each Little Bird that Sings and Because of Winn-Dixie. The result is a compelling novel that glows with understanding and empathy. In writing Lolo’s Light, Garton Scanlon undertook a monumental challenge. (Millie’s science project group’s name, “the Egg-ceptionals,” is only the beginning.) Garton Scanlon infuses the story with perfect moments of humor, too, such as the many puns that arise during the science project scenes. You’re trying to process how unbelievably fragile life can be.”ĭespite its heavy topic, Lolo’s Light is ultimately a hopeful book about healing that captures how much hard work, along with time, the process can require.

As Millie’s teacher tells her, “You are trying to make sense of something very big and ancient and scary. Garton Scanlon makes superb use of Millie’s seventh grade science project, hatching chicken eggs, as a focal point for Millie’s sorrow, depression and growing anxiety. Millie receives support from numerous caring adults, including her parents, her teacher, her school librarian and a therapist, as well as the Acostas. As Millie grieves, she is also haunted-and comforted-by a light that seems to emanate from Lolo’s bedroom window whenever Millie walks past the Acostas’ house, which Millie believes is Lolo’s presence.Īuthor Liz Garton Scanlon discusses how she captured the hard work of healing in ‘Lolo’s Light.’ Garton Scanlon clearly establishes that no one is to blame for this tragedy while also conveying Millie’s ongoing feelings of shock and anguish. But the next morning, the world turns upside down, because overnight, Lolo dies of SIDS.

As Millie revels in her new responsibility, she feels “something shift, like that exact moment the end of her being a kid and the beginning of her being real, full-grown Millie.” The night goes swimmingly and the Acostas return home to find that all is well. The Acostas make the job easy, putting Lolo to bed before they leave so Millie just needs to check on her. Her older sister isn’t available, so Millie gets to watch their neighbors’ 4-month-old baby, Lolo. Twelve-year-old Millie is thrilled when she gets her first babysitting job. How would a middle schooler navigate an unspeakable tragedy? That’s the subject Liz Garton Scanlon beautifully explores in Lolo’s Light, her second middle grade novel.

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