Jakarta missing
by Jane Kurtz
Greenwillow Books 2001
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include global awareness
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Genre
Themes
- family separation
- resilience
- hope and healing
- identity
- friendship
- coping with change
- global awareness
About this book
A thoughtful middle-grade novel about a girl whose globe-trotting mother disappears while overseas, leaving her to navigate school, friendships, and a suddenly fragile home life. As news trickles in from Jakarta, she clings to hope and finds new ways to speak up, cope with uncertainty, and keep family bonds strong. Vivid details of international places mix with everyday middle-school moments, making the story both big in scope and emotionally close. Readers who enjoy realistic, heartfelt stories about family and resilience will connect with this one.
Setting: contemporary United States with events tied to Jakarta, Indonesia
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jakarta missing right for my child?
Yes — Jakarta missing is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.2, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include family separation, resilience, hope and healing.
How long does it take to read Jakarta missing?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Jakarta missing takes around 6.1h to finish. The book has 60,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Jakarta missing have an AR quiz?
Yes — Jakarta missing has an AR quiz available, worth 8 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Jakarta missing?
Jakarta missing has an AR reading level of 5.2, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.