Found

Thirteen years ago, a mysterious airplane appeared at an airport gate with 36 babies on board and no adults. The infants were adopted into different families, and the incident remained unexplained. Now teenagers, two of the adoptees - Jonah and Chip - start receiving anonymous letters warning them that they are in danger. Along with Jonah's sister Katherine, they begin investigating their connected past and the truth about their unusual adoptions. Their search leads them into an extraordinary mystery involving the FBI, missing persons, and events that stretch beyond what they thought was possible. The three must piece together clues while staying ahead of those who want to keep secrets buried. This first book in The Missing series explores questions of identity, belonging, and the sometimes painful journey of self-discovery. The story balances adventure elements with deeper themes about what makes a family and how the past shapes who we become.

Readers describe Found as a fast-paced mystery that hooks young readers from the first chapter. Many reviews note it works well for reluctant readers in grades 4-7. Readers highlight: - Quick plot momentum and short chapters - Relatable 13-year-old characters - Science fiction elements that appeal to middle schoolers - Clean content appropriate for younger readers - Engaging enough for adults reading with kids Common criticisms: - Some find the ending unsatisfying - Character development feels shallow to some readers - Scientific explanations can confuse younger readers - First book ends with major cliffhanger Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (47,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (1,100+ ratings) Common Sense Media: 4/5 One frequent reader comment notes: "The mystery keeps you guessing but the payoff leaves too many questions." Another states: "Perfect for kids who like puzzles and suspense but aren't ready for darker YA content."

The Missing Piece by Sarah Beth Durst A thirteen-year-old girl travels through time portals searching for her missing twin, uncovering family secrets that connect to historical events.

Running Out of Time by Margaret Peterson Haddix A girl discovers her 1840s village exists inside a modern-day tourist site and must escape to save her community from a deadly disease.

The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani Two best friends are kidnapped to a magical school where children train to become fairy tale heroes or villains.

Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix In a society where families are limited to two children, a third child lives in hiding and discovers others like him.

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart Four gifted orphans pass a series of tests to join a secret organization and undertake an undercover mission at a suspicious boarding school.

📚 Found is the first book in "The Missing" series, which spans eight novels and follows multiple children who discover they were taken from different periods in history. 🔍 Author Margaret Peterson Haddix got the idea for the story while watching an FBI agent on TV discuss cases of missing children that were never solved. ⌛ The book blends elements of time travel with real historical events, making it a unique combination of science fiction and historical fiction for young readers. 👥 The main character, Jonah, is one of 36 mysterious babies who all appeared simultaneously on an unscheduled airplane with no pilot, crew, or adult passengers. 🏆 Found was nominated for multiple state reading awards, including the 2010-2011 South Carolina Children's Book Award and the 2010-2011 Nebraska Golden Sower Award.