Lost in the middle

Lost in the Middle

Lost in the Middle is a graphic novel that follows 8th grader Kai as he and his best friend Elle create videos for the social network, “4Reel” to help younger kids transition to Fourth Ave Middle School. It starts with easy stuff, like how to open a jammed locker, but quickly gets to the harder stuff, like how to open up to a friend about death. Each character leans on their own coping mechanisms as they struggle with different kinds of loss—but in the end, they learn to lean on each other. Their message to all of us—you are not alone.

 

We hope you enjoy the fourth installment in our original series, Kai’s Journey!

Connecting through our journeys


Kids and adults can have different experiences with loss, but that doesn’t mean we have to be alone in our journeys. Together, we can transform collective grief into collective healing.

These free discussion guides, designed specifically for parents and educators, offer insights and tools to help promote productive conversations about loss and healing.

Inside our launch at New York Comic Con 2023

The theme of loss is central to graphic novel storytelling, so we decided to launch our new graphic novel at New York Comic Con 2023. Our booth, which was designed to feel like a classroom at Fourth Ave. Middle School, gave attendees the chance play superhero trivia, participate in giveaways, and write notes to middle schoolers by dropping them in their lockers.

We also hosted a panel moderated by ABC News National Correspondent Will Reeve, son of late actors Christopher Reeve (who famously acted as “Superman”) and Dana Reeve. The panel featured Maria Collins of the New York Life Foundation and YA authors and novelists as they discussed how books and graphic novels can help children on their grief journeys.

Check out the recap video for a look inside our time at New York Comic Con.

Illustration from the Golden Sweater book series.

Kai’s Journey

Kai’s grief journey started long before Lost in the Middle. In the previous 3 books, Kai and his mom learned how to navigate the unexpected death of his father. This trilogy was created for a younger audience, setting the foundation for Kai and his friends before their middle school days.