The Boy Lost in the Maze by Joseph Coelho, Kate Milner
Published by Candlewick Press on March 26, 2024
ISBN: 1536236411
Format: Young Adult
Goodreads

Set in London, 17-year-old Theo wants nothing more than to find his estranged father and develop a relationship with him. After finding inspiration in the story of Theseus and his journey to find his father, Theo decides to re-write the stories of Theseus into poems for his school assignment. The chapters alternate between the six labors of Theseus and the parallel experiences of Theo as he struggles to locate his dad. Interspersed are pieces of the Minotaur’s tale, with all three characters’ stories converging at the end where they reconcile with their pain and recognize where their journeys have brought them. 

This is a beautifully written novel-in-verse accompanied by black-and-white illustrations. Theo’s pain is palpable and the storytelling element of intertwining Theseus’ trials with his own is brilliantly done. Part of this involves giving readers a choose-your-own-adventure opportunity during some of the Theseus chapters where you can decide how he responds to the challenges he faces. It is a heartbreaking read as Theo navigates his personal labyrinth but ends on a note of hope and peace for him, his family, and his mythical friends. 

Grades 9-12

Recommended for Cream of the Crop

Kerrie Lattari, York Middle School, York