Sophie McKenzie – Girl, Missing
Girl, Missing is a story about Lauren, a fourteen year old, who lives in London with her parents. She knows she is adopted, and when she is forced to deliberate on “Who am I?” as part of her school homework, her curiosity in her past increases threefold.
Logging on to a website, Missing-Children.com, she finds an American girl who went missing a couple of months prior to her adoption. The photograph resembles her, but, Lauren isn’t sure. Her foster parents are refusing to disclose any information as she isn’t old enough, but Lauren is desperate to find out more about where she comes from. And – did her parents kidnap her from the American family? Has she even been kidnapped?
This is a quick easy read, full of suspense and mystery. Yet, my major gripe with this book is a result of the coincidental nature of the events – how things conveniently happen in a certain way, against all odds. Major episodes in the book are superficial and lack the detail that would make them realistic. On the other hand, some things aren’t realistic at all. Maybe that’s a price to pay for children’s books?
The story does bring up some interesting points regarding adoption, and the need to know more about where one comes from. It also touches upon some of the issues with adoptions – specially closed adoptions – and how, occasionally innocent people become a victim of circumstance.
Do you find books for children/young adults occasionally lacking depth? Are there any other books on adoption and adoptive parents that you’d recommend? I find the psychology surrounding adoption most intriguing.
Rating : C
Filed under: Books 2009, Carnegie Medal Nominee, Review, Richard & Judy Book Group, Sophie McKenzie, Young Adult | 8 Comments
Tags: Adoption, Sophie McKenzie
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I often find that YA books lack depth – they need to have a fantastic plot to compensate, but not many YA books manage that. I am getting more and more cautious about starting them now.
Me too. Sometimes, YA books are tempting, simply because they’re light, easier to read, and are feel-good. However, unfortunately, they seem to be disappointing me a lot more now-a-days. Maybe I am becoming a literary snob….
I totally understand the coincidence problem. It’s so frustrating especially when a book would be fabulous if things were a bit more complex or a bit more explained and not so ‘fit-neatly-into-a-package-with-a-big-red-bow’.
I know exactly what you mean, and couldn’t have put it better myself. I guess that’s one of the givens with a YA book – it all ties in way too nicely and conveniently.
YA is my comfort zone, and lack of depth can be a relief! I have been reading a YA series called ‘Tunnels.’ Based underground. An intriguing plot, but the depth is mainly literal… :)
I haven’t heard of Tunnels… I’ll try digging up some dirt on it (See what I did there?) :)
I can’t wait to read Fingersmith. I hope I enjoy it as much as you did!
Me too :)