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Illustrated by:
ISBN:
978-1-55469-345-0
Publisher:
Orca Book Publishers
Pub Date:
March 2011
Price:
$ 9.95 |
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Missing
Ages 9 - 13
178 pages, 25 chapters
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The Story
"I like being alone," I say. "Honestly. Groups just aren't my thing. It's actually fun not having friends."
I don't know why I said that. It was supposed to be funny, but it sounds pathetic. Van's face is more transparent than mine. He doesn't embarrass easily but he definitely looks annoyed.
"I don't think sarcasm suits you," he says stiffly.
I'm tired of talking about this. I stand up and stretch. "Have you ever seen Renegade?" I ask.
"Who's Renegade?" says Van.
"A horse," I say. "Come on."
Thea and her dad are always on the move, from one small Cariboo town to another, trying to leave the past behind. They never stay long enough in one place for Thea to make friends, but when her dad gets work renovating a guest ranch on Gumboot Lake, she dares to hope that their wandering days are over. At the ranch she makes friends with Van, a local boy, and works hard to build the trust of an abused horse. When Thea unearths a decades-old mystery, she finally starts to come to terms with the losses in her own life.
What people are saying about Missing
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The story's chilling recollections of sibling rivalry, and dramatic moments involving Thea training Renegade the horse, should keep readers engrossed. The plot, which is established early, immediately draws the reader into the characters' lives, while the descriptions of Thea's observations and surroundings . . . captivate the senses.
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CM Volume XVII Number 22 February, 2011
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| The theme of finding yourself by letting yourself care for another is subtly and richly conveyed. Citra has written several books for the Orca Young Readers series; fans who are now older should flock to this gripping novel. |
Booklist May 1, 2011
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| Citra's writing is solid and Thea is strong and appealing. |
Kirkus Reviews March 2011
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| A quick and engaging read. Readers who live with one parent, lost a parent or feel like outsiders will especially be able to relate to the main character, Thea. Also, readers who are drawn to mysteries will find it interesting to try to put together the pieces of a crime that remained unsolved for more than fifty years. Young readers will appreciate the speed with which the plot develops. |
Voya April 2011
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| Missing succeeds in winning over hearts with a passion for horses. It is easy to connect with the main character Thea, due to her curiosity and courage as she faces some of the typical problems of a teenage life. The book is an easy read, has a terrific plot and comes together nicely because of its great presentation . . . it would be most appealing to middle school students. It is time, as Thea would say, to find a comfortable place to curl up with a good book. |
Teen reviewer for Voya April 2011
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| The story is fast moving and compelling... .The concurrent story line of Thea's maturing relationships with those around her add another layer of interest. |
School Library Journal September 2011
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| The novel provides just enough foreshadowing that readers will enjoy piecing together the mystery. The theme of fitting in and finding acceptance will resonate with many middle-aged readers. |
Library Media Connection October 2011
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| The action begins right away and the tension is kept
tight with hints and foreshadowing. Renegade's rehabilitation . . . is described with feeling and depth . . . every step of the process is accurate. The mystery thoughtfully leads readers through themes of guilt, jealousy and death. Missing is a considered and thoughtful novel for horse-lovers and non-horse-lovers alike. |
Canadian Children's Book News Summer 2011
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| The novel provides just enough foreshadowing that readers will enjoy piecing together the story. The theme of fitting in and finding acceptance will resonate with many middle-aged readers. RECOMMENDED |
Library Media Connection
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| If you're looking for a good family mystery this is the book for you. I loved this novel and I think you will too. |
Reviewed by Erin Terrace Public Library
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Copyright © 2012 Becky Citra. All Rights Reserved. |
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