Missing Person
Point crime. Series
on Goodreads (6)
What’s inside...
When seventeen-year-old Carrie's notoriously unstable mother disappears, only Carrie seems interested in pursuing the truth through a world where she can trust no one but herself. After the disappearance of Carrie's mother, Carrie is determined to discover her mother's true fate, despite the seeming indifference of her family, her friends, and the police.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
11-12
Length
192 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did you feel when the main character was trying to find the missing person? What would you do if you were in their shoes?
What do you think is the importance of helping others, as shown in the book?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone and how it made you feel?
What did you learn about teamwork and communication from the characters' experiences?
How do you think the story would change if it took place in a different setting?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences by sharing personal stories of similar situations.
Discuss the emotions depicted in the book and ask your child to express how different scenarios might make them feel.
Highlight the problem-solving aspects of the story and brainstorm with your child other possible solutions the characters could have used.
Talk about the significance of community and cooperation, and relate it to your child’s interactions at school or home.
Use a map to explore and visualize different settings where the story could take place, enhancing geographical knowledge while discussing the narrative’s adaptability.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of empathy
Explanation: Throughout 'Missing Person', the characters demonstrate understanding and sensitivity to each other's feelings, particularly when dealing with the disappearance that centralizes the plot.
Real-World Application: Children learn to recognize others' emotional states and respond kindly, helping them build stronger, more supportive relationships in their own lives.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: The protagonist's relentless pursuit to find the missing person despite numerous challenges showcases the power of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of not giving up easily when faced with difficult situations, whether it's solving a problem at school or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Understanding the consequences of actions
Explanation: As the story unfolds, characters experience the direct results of their decisions, emphasizing the impact of actions.
Real-World Application: Children learn to think ahead about the possible outcomes of their choices, promoting responsible decision-making.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: The characters must work together to solve the mystery, highlighting how collaboration can lead to success.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to value cooperative efforts and see the benefits of working with others in school projects or team sports.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The book portrays how characters adapt and recover from setbacks, characterizing resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn that it's okay to face failures and that bouncing back is a crucial skill, helping them cope with challenges in a healthy manner.