Book review by Aarene Storms: Missing

By Aarene Storms, Youth Services Librarian

Richmond Beach Library, KCLS

"Missing" by Becky Citra

13-year-old Thea and her dad have move around a lot in rural Canada, working odd jobs and never keeping them, never staying very long in a single place, and Thea never manages to make friends at the schools she briefly attends. 

The job renovating guest cabins at Gumboot Lake might be different, however. The kid down the road is actually friendly to her, and introduces her to his family and friends. In addition, there is an abandoned horse who "came with the property", and Thea is determined to tame Renegade and teach him to trust people again. 

Then, Thea discovers that the ranch is also home to a long-unsolved mystery: the strange disappearance of a little girl.

Gradually, clues emerge--not only about the missing child, but also clues about Thea's dead mother. The mystery is engaging, the horse details are adequately accurate, and the story will appeal to reluctant readers, especially horse-loving girls. No cussing or kissing; appropriate for readers ages 10 and up.

The events may not have happened; still, the story is true. --R. Silvern