The Missing

The Missing is an eight-book series that combines time travel, historical figures, and modern-day adventure. Thirteen-year-old Jonah and his friend Chip discover they are both adopted children who begin receiving mysterious letters, leading them to investigate their true origins. The plot centers on children from history who were taken by time travelers and transported to the 21st century as babies. Along with Jonah's sister Katherine, the protagonists must work to return these displaced children to their proper places in time to prevent historical disruption. The series follows their missions through different historical periods as they attempt to restore the timeline and uncover the full scope of the time travel mystery. Each book builds on the previous installment while introducing new historical settings and characters. The Missing explores themes of identity, family bonds, and the interconnected nature of historical events while raising questions about destiny versus free will. The series presents complex ideas about time travel paradoxes and historical preservation in an accessible format for young readers.

Readers call this book fast-paced and engaging, with many finishing it in one sitting. Young readers aged 8-14 connect with the main characters and find the mystery elements compelling. Readers appreciate: - Easy-to-follow plot despite complex time travel concepts - Strong sibling relationship between protagonists - Clean content appropriate for middle grade readers - Hooks that make them want to read the next book Common criticisms: - Slow beginning before the action starts - Some plot points feel unrealistic - Ending leaves too many questions unanswered - Adult characters seem one-dimensional Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (47,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (680+ ratings) Common Sense Media: 4/5 One frequent comment from parent reviewers is that the book got their reluctant readers interested in reading more. Multiple teachers report it being popular for book reports and generating good classroom discussions about history and ethics.

Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix In a dystopian society, a forbidden third child discovers other shadow children and uncovers government secrets while fighting for survival.

Running Out of Time by Margaret Peterson Haddix A girl learns she lives in a reconstructed historical village that serves as a tourist attraction and must escape to save her community from a deadly disease.

The Giver by Lois Lowry A boy in a seemingly perfect society becomes the receiver of memories and learns the dark truth about his world.

The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer A young clone of a powerful drug lord discovers his identity and purpose in a future world of human copies and genetic manipulation.

Found by Margaret Peterson Haddix Adopted children receive mysterious letters about their true identities and become entangled in a time-travel mystery spanning centuries.

🔮 The Missing series was partly inspired by real-life historical mysteries, including the unsolved disappearance of the Lost Colony of Roanoke in 1587. 📚 Margaret Peterson Haddix has written over 40 books for young readers and typically completes two manuscripts each year. ⌛ The concept of time travel in the book draws from actual physics theories about closed timelike curves, which Einstein's theory of relativity suggests could make time travel possible. 👥 Each book in the series focuses on different missing children from history, including Virginia Dare (the first English child born in America) and the two princes in the Tower of London. 🏆 The Missing was selected for over 20 state reading lists and won multiple awards, including the Buckeye Children's Book Award and the South Carolina Children's Book Award.