About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with questions about their own history or feels the weight of high expectations they didn't choose. It is perfect for middle grade readers who enjoy fast-paced adventure but are also beginning to contemplate the ethics of right versus wrong in complicated situations. The story follows Jonah and Katherine as they travel back to 1483 to save two princes, only to realize that 'fixing' history might have unintended consequences. While the book is an exciting time travel mystery, its emotional core is about loyalty and the burden of responsibility. It explores how young people find their footing when they are thrust into adult conflicts. It is highly appropriate for the 8-13 age range, offering a sophisticated blend of historical intrigue and relatable sibling dynamics that encourage critical thinking about the past.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
1. DISTRESS: The book deals with the historical mystery of the Princes in the Tower, which involves the threat of child murder. While not graphic, the looming danger of execution and the betrayal by a trusted uncle (Richard III) create a sense of dread. There are scenes of imprisonment and physical pursuit that may be tense for sensitive readers. 2. CONVERSATION: Parents should be prepared to discuss the real-world history of the War of the Roses. A child may ask if the princes really died in real life, which requires a nuanced conversation about historical mysteries and the often harsh realities of royal succession.
Ideal Reader
A 10-year-old who loves 'who-dunit' mysteries and is starting to take an interest in world history or the concept of 'what if' scenarios.
Parent Prep
It is helpful to read the Author's Note at the end first to understand which parts of the story are based on historical record and which are fiction. A child asking, 'Why would an uncle want to hurt his nephews just to be king?'
Age Experience
Younger readers will focus on the 'high-tech' time travel gadgets and the thrill of the escape. Older readers will better appreciate the moral dilemma of whether one should change the past to save a life if it alters the future for everyone else.
What Makes It Special
Haddix uniquely blends hard science fiction (time travel mechanics) with meticulously researched historical fiction, making the past feel urgent rather than dusty.
Read plot summary
In this second installment of The Missing series, Jonah and Katherine travel back to 15th-century England. They discover that their friends Chip and Alex are actually the 'Princes in the Tower,' Edward V and Richard of Shrewsbury. The protagonists must navigate the treacherous political landscape of King Richard III's court while trying to return everyone to the 21st century without causing a historical paradox.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
If you found out you were a famous person from history, would you want to go back and live their life, or stay as you are now?
2
Jonah and Katherine have to decide whether to follow the 'rules' of time travel or do what they think is morally right. What would you do in their position?
3
How does Chip's personality change when he realizes he is actually a king? Does power change people, or just show who they really are?
4
The book mentions that history is often written by the winners. How does this affect how we see people like Richard III today?
5
Katherine often has to be the practical one while the boys are fighting. How does her role in the team help them survive?
