The Lustre of Lost Things

For the first time in my thirteen years, I have a story of my own to tell and I am the one who will tell it. There is only one place in the world that Walter Lavender feels at home: The Lavenders, his mother's unusual New York bakery where meringues scud through displays like clouds, marzipan dragons breathe actual fire, and the airy angel-food cake can make customers pounds lighter. When the mysterious Book at the heart of the bakery's magic and success vanishes and the landlord threatens closure, it is up to Walter to find the Book and save the shop. Despite a communication disorder that renders him speechless, Walter has a special ability to find lost things. Walter's quest will take him all over New York City, down into the subway and soaring over Central Park, and introduce him to some extraordinary people. Along the way he will also discover his voice and learn what it means to be truly found.

Sophie Chen Keller was born in Beijing and raised in Ohio and California. After graduating from Harvard with a degree in economics, she worked in the fashion industry and in brand consulting, but she left to pursue her dream of writing. She lives in New York City and The Lustre of Lost Things is her first novel.