The Face on the Milk Carton

Auteur(s) du document : Caroline B. Cooney

Author : Caroline B. Cooney

Editor : New York : Laurel Leaf, 1994 [1991]

Description : 184 p.

Number of copies : 4

Summary

Grade 7-10-Alyssa Bresnahan brings to life the character of 15-year-old Janie Johnson, a teenager whose typical angst is compounded when she discovers her picture on a milk carton as a missing child. Searching for the truth behind the kidnapping consumes Janie as she tries to maintain the balance between the craziness of her discovery and the teenage world of school, dates, and friends. Bresnahan deftly portrays each character, creating a unique voice for each. The sense of terror that develops in Janie is exhibited by the rising tension in the narrator’s voice. Read equally well is the part of Janie’s parents-their voices changing during the course of the story from professional and upbeat to wary and defeated. The progression of the characters complements the piece nicely. While the pace of the recording remains steady, it is slightly too slow and tedious at times to accompany this suspenseful tale. However, this does not outweigh the value of Caroline B. Cooney’s excellent story (BDD, 1996) which has been a favorite read for young teenagers, an IRA-CBC Children’s Choice Book, and the subject of a television special. The popularity of the book will cause this recording to leap off the shelves. [School Library Journal]