Raincoast Books
Available: 04/20/07
5.26 x 7.76 · 304 pages
978-1-55192-802-9 CDN $11.95 · pb

Ages 12 and up

Canadian Title

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King of the Lost and Found

John Lekich

Governor General Award finalist John Lekich brings us the hilarious story of what coolness means to one very uncool kid … and what he decides to do about it.

Grade 10 student Raymond Dunne can’t change the fact that he’s prone to sneezing, nosebleeds and fainting. He can, however, change the fact that he’s not popular. It won’t be easy. But Raymond has a plan.

In this charming novel about friendship, love and loyalty, Raymond transforms himself from lonely nerd to gatekeeper of an underground social club. In the process, he befriends one of the most popular guys in school, sticks up for his fellow nerds and works up the courage to approach the lovely Janice, his not-so-secret crush. But with the principal hot on his trail, how long will Raymond’s secret club last? And will he still be popular without it?

"King of the Lost and Found is outstanding because of its exploration of character and its humour, so subtle, intelligent and funny that this novel is a sheer pleasure to read." -Toronto Star

"King of the Lost and Found is funny and poignant, breezy and solid, optimistic and realistic. It's a multilayered story that rewards reading and rereading. It's a very good book, and that's an understatement." -Vancouver Sun

"This summer's funniest book yet." -The Magazine

"Teen readers should like this light, geek-makes-good story and its easy delivery." -Publisher's Weekly

"Takes on issues of bullying, exclusion, family breakdown, and loss with a nice balance of compassion and hilarity." -Quill and Quire

"Lekich creates a funny and believable character whose voice is authentic, charming and compelling. The story, which is always unpredictable and includes a hamster named Houdini, an eccentric millionaire and hidden treasure, is great." -Geist

"King of the Lost and Found is a hilarious read that any kid (popular or not) will be able to relate to. The story never gets dull and has all sorts of surprising turns (hidden treasure, anyone?), and outrageous characters like a zany millionaire and a hamster named Houdini. A guaranteed good time!" -Kidzworld.com

"Hilariously funny ... a wonderful book for anyone who has ever struggled with insecurity or the feelings of being an outcast." -Teensreadtoo.com

"Very funny and insightful ... Reading this book gave me a sense of hope that even if I'm not necessarily the most popular, I can still come out on top by being myself, being loyal, and just being a friend. I think everyone should read this book." -Flamingnet

JOHN LEKICH’s (Vancouver) young adult novel The Loser’s Club was short-listed for over a dozen awards including the Governor General’s Award and the Canadian Library Association’s Young Adult Book Award. Lekich is an author and journalist whose work has appeared in a wide variety of publications, including Reader’s Digest, the Hollywood Reporter and the Los Angeles Times. He is the recipient of 10 regional and national magazine awards in subjects ranging from classic movies to gambling in Las Vegas.