3.73
Part of "Janie Johnson" series
"The Face on the Milk Carton" by Caroline B. Cooney is a gripping young adult novel that explores the complexities of identity and family secrets. The story centers around fifteen-year-old Hannah, who lives a seemingly ordinary life in the suburbs with her parents and younger brother. However, everything changes when Hannah recognizes herself on a missing child milk carton during a routine visit to the school cafeteria. As Hannah grapples with the realization that she may have been abducted as a child, she embarks on a dangerous journey to uncover the truth about her past. Along the way, she discovers that her loving parents may not be who they seem, and that her entire life has been built on a foundation of lies. Cooney masterfully weaves together themes of identity, family, and trust in this page-turning thriller. The novel raises important questions about the nature of family and the consequences of deception, while also exploring the resilience of the human spirit. Hannah is a relatable and sympathetic protagonist, and readers will be rooting for her as she navigates the challenges of adolescence while also confronting the reality of her own past. The supporting characters are equally well-developed, with complex motivations and histories that add depth and nuance to the story. "The Face on the Milk Carton" is a compelling and thought-provoking read that will appeal to both young adults and adults. Its themes of identity and family secrets are universal, and its gripping plot will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. Overall, "The Face on the Milk Carton" is a standout novel that showcases Cooney's talent for crafting engaging and thought-provoking stories. Its exploration of family, identity, and trust is both timely and timeless, and its themes will resonate with readers long after they have turned the final page...
Ellen Raskin
The Westing Game
In this mystery novel, sixteen people are invited to the reading of Samuel W. Westing's will. They are given clues and must solve puzzles to win the game and inherit Westing's fortune. Like 'The Face on the Milk Carton', this book deals with themes of identity, secrets, and the importance of solving puzzles and mysteries.
Learn MoreAlice Sebold
The Lovely Bones
The Lovely Bones is a novel about a 14-year-old girl named Susie who is murdered and watches from heaven as her family and friends cope with her death. This book, like 'The Face on the Milk Carton', deals with themes of loss, identity, and the impact of secrets on families.
Learn MoreWendy Mass
A Mango-Shaped Space
This book tells the story of a girl named Mia who sees numbers in different colors, a condition known as synesthesia. When she starts to feel like she doesn't fit in, she struggles to keep her condition a secret. Like 'The Face on the Milk Carton', this book explores the idea of feeling different and trying to find one's identity.
Learn MoreLois Lowry
The Giver
In a society where memories and emotions are suppressed, Jonas is chosen to become the new Receiver of Memories. As he starts to receive memories from the previous Receiver, he begins to question the rules and beliefs of his society. This book, like 'The Face on the Milk Carton', deals with themes of identity, secrecy, and the importance of memories.
Learn MoreMary E. Pearson
The Adoration of Jenna Fox
Jenna Fox wakes up from a coma with no memory of her past. As she tries to piece together her identity, she discovers that her parents have done something unthinkable to save her life. This book, like 'The Face on the Milk Carton', explores the idea of identity, secrets, and the consequences of keeping them.
Learn MoreSue Monk Kidd
The Secret Life of Bees
The Secret Life of Bees is a novel about a 14-year-old girl named Lily who runs away from her abusive father and finds refuge with three beekeeping sisters. As she learns about the secrets of her past, she also discovers the healing power of sisterhood and community. Like 'The Face on the Milk Carton', this book deals with themes of identity, secrets, and the importance of finding one's place in the world.
Learn MoreCornelia Funke
The Thief Lord
The Thief Lord is a children's novel about two orphaned brothers who run away to Venice and join a gang of street children led by a charismatic thief named Scipio. As they navigate the dangerous world of thieves and con artists, they also search for their true identity and the meaning of family. Like 'The Face on the Milk Carton', this book deals with themes of identity, secrets, and the importance of family.
Learn More