The Found Boys

AUTHOR: S.D. Smith
ILLUSTRATOR: Anthony VanArsdale

From the Publisher:

The Found Boys is a thrilling throwback buddy adventure for young readers. Amid the abundant humor and action, the story explores deep themes of forgiveness and reconciliation in age-appropriate ways.
 
The mission was supposed to be fun—even funny—but things got serious quick. What follows is a daring journey with narrow escapes, attack dogs, deadly fires, and a friendship forged in shared peril.
 
Three friends embark on an intrepid quest to retrieve a priceless treasure guarded by a menacing villain. But this is no fantasy. For Scott and his friends Tommy and Dooley, the danger is all too real. Unlikely heroes will emerge. Enemies will become allies. Powerful truths will be revealed.

Leah’s Thoughts:

We’re big fans of the Green Ember series, so I was eager to read S.D. Smith’s newest book. The Found Boys is a powerful and timely tale, tackling racism, forgiveness, and friendship through a story set in 1980s West Virginia. While the gospel message is clear and the themes are deeply meaningful, I chose to read it myself before handing it to my kids. It’s better suited for older tweens and independent reading (ages 10-13). I especially appreciated the way it portrays Christian faith as something lived, not just spoken. (See content notes below for age guidance.)

CONTENT CONSIDERATIONS:
– Racism and the KKK are central themes, including cross burning (handled age-appropriately, but serious)
– Mild language: “heck,” potty talk, and name calling (dummy, goofus)
– A child is attacked by dogs (no serious harm)
– Mentions of beer, “bad magazines,” and cussing (no actual curse words used)