The Missing Series Book 1: Found

Thirteen-year-olds Jonah and Chip receive threatening anonymous letters that spark an investigation into their backgrounds. Along with Jonah's sister Katherine, they begin to uncover mysterious connections between a group of adopted children. The search for answers leads them to examine historical records, investigate government files, and question what they know about their own identities. Their discoveries point to events that seem impossible, forcing them to confront an expanding mystery with stakes beyond what they imagined. Through their quest to understand the truth, the young teens must decide who to trust and how far they'll go for answers. The story combines elements of mystery, science fiction, and historical events while exploring questions of identity and belonging. The first book in The Missing series sets up larger themes about the nature of family bonds and the impact of discovering uncomfortable truths about oneself. It raises questions about how the past connects to the present and what defines who we really are.

Readers describe this book as a fast-paced mystery that keeps them guessing. Many appreciate how it introduces complex sci-fi concepts to middle-grade readers while remaining accessible. Positive feedback focuses on: - Strong hooks and cliffhangers that drive page-turning - Relatable teenage characters and their friendships - Blend of history, mystery and science fiction elements - Age-appropriate suspense without being too scary Common criticisms include: - Slow start before the action picks up - Too many questions left unanswered until later books - Some find the premise far-fetched - Character development could be deeper Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (47,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (1,100+ ratings) Common Sense Media: 4/5 One middle school teacher noted: "This book got my reluctant readers excited about reading the whole series." Several reviewers mentioned re-reading it as adults and still finding it engaging, though aimed at ages 8-12.

The Maze Runner by James Dashner A group of teens with missing memories must unravel the mystery of their imprisonment while navigating a deadly maze filled with secrets about their past.

Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix In a society where third children are forbidden, a hidden child discovers others like him and uncovers government secrets that change everything.

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart Four gifted orphans are recruited for a secret mission to infiltrate a suspicious institution and stop a plot that threatens the world.

Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger A telepathic girl learns she belongs to another world and must solve the puzzle of her true identity while protecting both her worlds from destruction.

The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann Children deemed unnecessary by their society discover they possess magical abilities and are secretly rescued to a hidden world where they prepare to fight back.

📚 Though 13-year-old Jonah is adopted, he never thought much about his birth parents until mysterious letters started arriving saying "YOU ARE ONE OF THE MISSING" and "BEWARE! THEY'RE COMING BACK TO GET YOU." 🕰️ The book's premise was partially inspired by the real historical mystery of the Lost Colony of Roanoke, where 115 English settlers vanished without a trace in 1590. ✈️ Author Margaret Peterson Haddix got the initial idea for the story while sitting in an airport, watching planes take off and land, and wondering "What if...?" 🏆 The book won multiple state awards, including the 2010 Young Hoosier Book Award and the 2010 Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Award. 📖 "Found" is the first book in what became an eight-book series, with each subsequent book involving time travel to different historical periods, including the Tower of London in 1483 and the Titanic in 1912.