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3.45 AVERAGE
3.45 AVERAGE
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping
challenging
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Honestly, I think I gave it a lower rating because of when I read it. If I had read it when it came out (approx. a decade before I was born) then I think I would have a higher opinion of it. I have a mixed opinion about the ending. The characters talk like they're in an after school special, which was a little jarring. Maybe teens really talked that way in the 80s and 90s?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping
Moderate: Gaslighting, Abandonment
Whenever students come in and ask for a good mystery I always recommend this one based off other staff recommendations. I thought it was time to finally read it for myself and will keep recommending to students looking for a good mystery - fast paced, a little romance, a cliff-hanger - what more could a middle school student want? It is a little dated - references to researching with microfiche in the library, calling parents from payphones, but overall still relevant.
dark
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I loved this book when I was in middle school and now as adult I get why I liked it, but this book is all conflict and no resolution.
dark
mysterious
tense
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
People forget the main character is a child. She's a 15-year-old girl who should only be thinking about school, crushes, and her friends. Most children who find out they're adopted (when their parents keep it hidden instead of telling them right away) find it hard to adjust to the truth. Can you imagine what it must be like to find out you're actually a missing child? And that your parents potentially kidnapped you?
I think the writer captured the complete meltdown and indecision well. I also think her decision made sense to never inform her former parents. Why would she want to disrupt her life any more than she already has? Obviously, she knew it was wrong and subconsciously almost told at every turn, but this makes perfect sense.
Did it get annoying? Sure, but I think the subject matter is so complex that it made sense the writer would go this route, and I think she handled it well.
I'm not super fond of her writing style, but I think it was a compelling premise.
I think the writer captured the complete meltdown and indecision well. I also think her decision made sense to never inform her former parents. Why would she want to disrupt her life any more than she already has? Obviously, she knew it was wrong and subconsciously almost told at every turn, but this makes perfect sense.
Did it get annoying? Sure, but I think the subject matter is so complex that it made sense the writer would go this route, and I think she handled it well.
I'm not super fond of her writing style, but I think it was a compelling premise.
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
Maybe more to indulge fantasies of younger readers based on writing style.
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
I remember loving this book as a kid, so I wanted to read it again. And now it seems I need to read the whole series.