Mackenzie da Luca’s mother is missing.
She’s vanished without a trace
in the jungles of Panama.
Now, 116 days later, Mackenzie and her dad
are in those same jungles.
Her dad is desperate to find out what’s happened to his wife.
And Mackenzie is desperate to make sure he doesn’t …
Novel for ages 10+
Walker Books Australia
ISBN 978-1-760650-03-2
Buy this book from your LOCAL BOOKSHOP or online at
REVIEWS
“Both taut and touching, Sue Whiting’s latest is that rare thing – a genuinely suspenseful page-turner that’s also full of heart. Young readers won’t want to miss Missing!” Meg McKinlay, award-winning author of A Single Stone
“Engrossing until its emotional end, readers 10 and up will be unable to put this book down …” FOUR STARS Books+Publishing
“The story twists and turns as Kenzie attempts to unravel the truth on her own. The ending is impossible to predict. Gritty, engaging and always, exciting, Missing will appeal to mature young readers, aged 10-plus, who like their books heart-full and real.” FIVE STARS – Sandy Fussell, The Sunday Telegraph.
“Set between Sydney and Panama, Missing is a touching and suspenseful story of a father and daughter on an emotional rollercoaster. If you are 10-plus and like mysteries and tear-jerkers, this book by Australian author Sue Whiting is definitely for you.” Zoe Lanyon (12) Herald Sun
“This book is beautifully written and describes emotions flawlessly. Therefore, I give Missing four bookbolts out of five.” Jazzy’s Bookshelf
“Without a doubt Missing is my favourite middle grade novel in some time. I read Missing in one (long) night and felt all the emotions, marveled at the richness of the narrative and the pondered how Sue Whiting came up with such a plot …” Megan Daley – Children’s Books Daily
“I will not divulge any more of the plot, for fear of spoiling the experience, but I assure you that Missing is a book worth reading. With 38,000 people reported missing each year I can understand why Sue felt that is was a story worth writing. This is a fantastic story, that is ideal for readers 12 and up.” Lamont Standing Orders
“Highly recommended …This story would make a good class text, a great read aloud as well as a book to study.” Fran Knight ReadPlus
“Missing is an emotional, absorbing read. The blend of mystery, adventure and emotion make for an enticing combination which won’t let readers put it down. Sally Murphy Aussie Reviews
“Superbly crafted in now and then time, this powerful novel reflects on how lives shatter and hearts break with sorrow from lack of knowing.” Kids’ Book Review
“The writing is tight and compelling, with a strong and relatable voice in Mackenzie. The real places in the story, from the southern Sydney suburbs to the streets of Panama, are vividly brought to life. As you hurtle towards the end of the story (and yes, this is a book you’ll want to devour in one go), the tension and emotions intensify until the stunning final scene…” Liz Ledden, Buzz Words Magazine
ARTICLES AND INTERVIEWS
Children’s Books Daily – Book People interview
Boomerang Books Blog – interview
Better Reading Kids – Tackling the Tough Stuff in Middle Grade Fiction
The Sapling – Across the Ditch interview
Kids Book Review – Look What I’m Reading interview
One More Page Podcast – Episode 11: Round the World in Eighty Pages
What inspires children’s writer and AWC presenter Sue Whiting (blog interview with Australian Writers’ Centre)
AWARDS AND LISTS
Shortlisted for Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Awards
SA Premier’s Reading Challenge, Years 6-9
NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge, Years 7-9
Victorian Premier’s Reading Challenge, Years 9-10