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Missing
MISSING. That's what the posters say about the girl. But this isn't just another missing kid - not for ten-year-old Calvin Crane. After he bumps into a strange guy at Yellowstone National Park who's secretly removing the posters, Calvin thinks their van is being tailed. Getting murdered isn't on the family itinerary.
In a cramped van full of farts and frito feet with his whiny older sisters, parents and crabby Grandma Edith, Calvin presses forward on a cross-country road trip to California to attend the wedding of a family friend. But as the search for the missing girl widens state-by-state, Calvin can't escape her haunting face. Neither can he shake the eerie feeling that he's being followed - suspicious-looking people, strange vehicles. Who can he trust? His parents think it's just his OCD talking.
As he learns more details about the missing girl, Calvin is forced to face a search of his one for self-acceptance. Sometimes being lost is more than just a matter of location. Still, Calvin can't shut off those nagging Where is that little girl? Is he being stalked by a kidnapper? Or is his mind playing tricks on him? Does danger lurk just a couple of steps behind?
In a cramped van full of farts and frito feet with his whiny older sisters, parents and crabby Grandma Edith, Calvin presses forward on a cross-country road trip to California to attend the wedding of a family friend. But as the search for the missing girl widens state-by-state, Calvin can't escape her haunting face. Neither can he shake the eerie feeling that he's being followed - suspicious-looking people, strange vehicles. Who can he trust? His parents think it's just his OCD talking.
As he learns more details about the missing girl, Calvin is forced to face a search of his one for self-acceptance. Sometimes being lost is more than just a matter of location. Still, Calvin can't shut off those nagging Where is that little girl? Is he being stalked by a kidnapper? Or is his mind playing tricks on him? Does danger lurk just a couple of steps behind?
166 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2013
6 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Don Porter
5 books10 followersKevin Don Porter is a contributor for CBS Local-DC and AXS.com. He is also the author of two suspense novels, MISSING and OVER THE EDGE. He resides in Maryland. Visit his website at www.kevindonporter.com. Twitter: @kevindonporter
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
June 9, 2013
This is a Young Adult mystery novel but it's entertaining enough and well written enough for any age adult. The young man, Calvin Crane, at the center of the story is so funny and doesn't hold back on his thoughts and feelings. We can all relate. This book made me laugh out loud one minute and ponder the cruelty of some people the next. I would recommend this book for a book club or class. It's full of the stuff of life that provides material for discussion.
September 28, 2014
"Missing" is a humorous book. Calvin, 10 years old, finds himself questioning himself and all that life holds. He and his family set out on an adventure across the country. In a van, they travel and meet a wide variety of people. He learns how some people don't mind his color and others do, as if he's something less than human. Getting to the point where "even a bird doesn't complain about the colors of its feathers", he goes through his days wondering how to save a missing girl. He didn't know the girl. Never met her. He just knew she was in trouble and needed help.
Reading a book where a 10 year old cares about others in such a deep way, has such a sense of humor and knows so much about life is a treat. Lessons learned from a 10 year old boy. How many times did you say something to your parents when you were 10 that they ignored? Standing up and speaking for himself and saving a life made it easier for him to be heard.
This book is wonderful for teaching self acceptance, appreciation of faith and family, and learning how to laugh no matter how hard things may be. See how all people are truly the same, no matter what race or religion. Everyone puts their pants on one leg at a time. Everyone deserves respect and appreciation.
Calvin, you are amazing! You made me laugh! I was so proud of you when you stood at the podium when the lost girl was returned to her parents.
Now pick up a copy of this book today! I HIGHLY recommend it! All school libraries should carry this book. Help children feel better about themselves.
Reading a book where a 10 year old cares about others in such a deep way, has such a sense of humor and knows so much about life is a treat. Lessons learned from a 10 year old boy. How many times did you say something to your parents when you were 10 that they ignored? Standing up and speaking for himself and saving a life made it easier for him to be heard.
This book is wonderful for teaching self acceptance, appreciation of faith and family, and learning how to laugh no matter how hard things may be. See how all people are truly the same, no matter what race or religion. Everyone puts their pants on one leg at a time. Everyone deserves respect and appreciation.
Calvin, you are amazing! You made me laugh! I was so proud of you when you stood at the podium when the lost girl was returned to her parents.
Now pick up a copy of this book today! I HIGHLY recommend it! All school libraries should carry this book. Help children feel better about themselves.
October 20, 2015
Excellent read. Moves quickly and is quite witty. Looking forward to further books in the Calvin Crane series.
May 12, 2013
Finding What's Missing In You
This is the story of the Crane family. They take a trip cross country and discover a lot about themselves, other people, places and things along the way. Mostly, Calvin learns to be happy with being just who he is.
I could follow Kevin Don Porter’s “Missing” well, although I felt like it started off a little slow and really didn't get exciting until almost the end. It just wasn't a novel that had a lot of drama. Not one of those books that has you waiting and anticipating what happens next. Because of that, it was an okay read. I was very happy with the outcome for Calvin as well as Gracie because I felt they learned a life's lesson.
Reviewed by: Lisa M.
3.5 stars
This is the story of the Crane family. They take a trip cross country and discover a lot about themselves, other people, places and things along the way. Mostly, Calvin learns to be happy with being just who he is.
I could follow Kevin Don Porter’s “Missing” well, although I felt like it started off a little slow and really didn't get exciting until almost the end. It just wasn't a novel that had a lot of drama. Not one of those books that has you waiting and anticipating what happens next. Because of that, it was an okay read. I was very happy with the outcome for Calvin as well as Gracie because I felt they learned a life's lesson.
Reviewed by: Lisa M.
3.5 stars
April 21, 2019
I love books about the journey of self-discovery! I really enjoyed this book and I think it would be a great book club selection. At times suspenseful, at other times introspective, this witty book with heart invites us to consider how race, class, and mental health influence our view of ourselves and others.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews