Coyote Sunrise #2 Coyote Lost and Found written by Dan Gemeinhart reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: This book is a standalone companion to the beloved "The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise." This heartfelt story follows Coyote and her father, Rodeo, as they embark on a cross-country road trip to fulfill an important promise. After nearly a year of settling into a small Oregon town and coping with the loss of Coyote's mother and sisters, Coyote discovers a box containing her mother's ashes, which spurs her to find her mother’s chosen resting place. The challenge? The location is hidden in a book that Coyote accidentally sold. With her father unaware of the book's loss, Coyote sets out on an adventure filled with nostalgia, friendships, and self-discovery. Along the way, they reconnect with familiar faces and meet new friends, all while navigating the complexities of grief and healing. "Coyote Lost and Found" is a story about love, loss, and the importance of family connections, leaving readers with a sense of hope and joy. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: I have to say that I really enjoyed this book.  The characters are lovably weird, but they make it a point to live radiating kindness.  Every reader who remembers schools shutting down before break for COVID, might twitch a little at the memory. The excitement of getting an extra two weeks of break, to an unrecognizable, shut down world that lasted a lot longer than it should have. There are themes of grief, family, and friendship. There was a lot of love shared between Coyote and her dad and then also between friends. The book can serve as a springboard for discussions about loss, coping mechanisms, and the significance of cherished memories. Librarians can create reading circles where students share their thoughts and feelings about the characters' journeys, fostering empathy and understanding. Additionally, activities such as art projects inspired by the narrative or reflective writing assignments can help students express their interpretations of the story. Hosting book clubs or author study sessions can further deepen students' engagement. By connecting the book's themes to relevant subjects like social-emotional learning and literature, librarians can enhance students' understanding and appreciation of the narrative while promoting a supportive school environment.