Dickens & Rumi
Cover of MISSING

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MISSING

Margaret Peterson Haddix

Youngsters with a mission travel through time in Britain. (Ages 8 to 12)

Ages 10+Source checked

Why this age? Best suited to middle-grade readers: the plot involves child endangerment, danger, kidnapping-related revelations, and suspense, but violence is generally non-graphic and sexual content is minimal. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age10+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Death of a character2/5
  • Violence2/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Good role models3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

The premise revolves around children being saved from historical events where they would have otherwise died.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mild language typical for a middle-grade novel.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Very minor, age-appropriate crushes are peripheral to the main mystery plot.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Suspenseful situations and occasional atmospheric tension regarding the nature of time and history.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Includes scenes of mild peril, chase sequences, and threats associated with time travel, but no graphic combat.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

The protagonists repeatedly face frightening discoveries and serious danger while trying to help others and uncover the truth.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Time travel, historical mystery, speculative ideas, and inventive problem-solving strongly invite imagination and curiosity.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Features a diverse set of characters rescued from various historical time periods.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Integrates various historical figures and time periods, encouraging interest in history.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Cooperation and sibling support are central themes throughout the series.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Focuses on the importance of integrity, family bonds, and the ethical responsibility of one's actions.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonists are curious, brave, and driven to do the right thing despite pressure.

Family discussion

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in MISSING would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in MISSING, and what caused that change?
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Related by age fit, format, and catalogue context.

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THE KEEPERDavid BaldacciAges 12+THE FINISHERDavid BaldacciAges 10+Drowned Ammet (Dalemark Quartet, Book 2)Diana Wynne Jones · 1977Ages 12+Cart and Cwidder (The Dalemark Quartet)Diana Wynne Jones · 1975Ages 12+

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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