The Face on the Milk Carton. By Caroline B. Cooney. Delacorte Books for Young Readers, 1996. 192 pages. Tr. $15.95 ISBN 978-0385323284
Summary: One day while having lunch at school, Janie Johnson is surprised to see her face peering back at her from a friend’s milk carton advertisement; Jennie Spring went missing from her parents twelve years ago. Seeing this picture of a twelve-year-old girl brings back a slew of unpleasant memories to Janie. Back at home she locates several pictures and school papers signed with Hannah’s name. Her parents explain that she’s actually their granddaughter, and that Hannah – a member of a cult - is her real mother. Their explanation sounds fishy too Janie, and with the help of her boyfriend, Reeve, does some extra digging into her past.
Critical Review: The topic of Cooney’s mystery is especially dark. I have some definite qualms with recommending this book to tweens. If I toss my objections about the topic to the side, however, I can certainly see merit in this book. Cooney’s style of writing is so engaging, that I found it difficult to put the book down. If I experienced such an overwhelming urge to press ahead, despite my objections to disturbing plot, I can only imagine the effect this book might have on reluctant readers. I would heartedly recommend this book to tweens that can accept disturbing plots. For those looking for warm-hearted mysteries, I recommend Michael Buckley’s “Fairy Tale Detectives” series.
Genre: Mystery
Reading/Interest Level: 12-17 years
Awards: Young Reader’s Choice Award, 1993
Reviews: School Library Journal (1999, September 1)
Similar Materials: The following books in the Janie series: Whatever Happened to Janie?, The Voice on the Radio, What Janie Found
Series: the Janie books
Subjects/Themes: parental kidnapping; parents and child; social issues; parenting; identity
Character Names: Janice Johnson; Jennie Spring; Hannah; Mr. and Mrs. Johnson; Reeve, Lizzie
Brief Annotation: An adolescent girl sees a picture of herself as a missing child on a milk carton, leading her to question whether her parents kidnapped her.
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