Gertie Milk and the Keeper of Lost Things

What would happen to the world if Mercedes Gleitze didn’t have her lucky watch before her swim across the English Channel or Eratosthenes didn’t have his stick to measure the Earth’s circumference? Luckily, Gertie Milk learns that she is the keeper of lost things and, using a time machine, brings back lost items to save humanity.

This book jumps right into the action, and I loved the description of the Island of Skuldark and the many underground chambers where lost items are kept. For instance, there is a room just for watches, one for lost limbs, and even one for tropical trees.

The book has a very unique plot, but it’s somewhat hard to follow the twists and turns. I liked that Gertie had to figure things out during the story and things made more sense as you read, like why a creature who only chases losers would be chasing Gertie. I would have liked it more if I recognized the historical characters, but they aren’t ones who most kids will commonly recognize. If you like mysteries, adventure, fantasy, and a bit of danger, then you will love this book!