Missing person
by Sally Pfoutz
Viking 2017
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- friendship
- family
- truth vs. rumor
- courage
- responsibility
- grief and healing
- community
About this book
When someone close to her suddenly goes missing, a thoughtful middle-schooler in a small town refuses to sit on the sidelines. With a couple of loyal friends, she follows faint clues, sorts fact from rumor, and faces the way fear and secrets can change people. The story blends a page-turning mystery with real-life emotions about family, trust, and responsibility. It’s a strong pick for readers who like realistic mysteries with heart.
Setting: contemporary small-town United States
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Missing person right for my child?
Yes — Missing person is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.7, which is typical for 4th 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 friendship, family, truth vs. rumor.
How long does it take to read Missing person?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Missing person takes around 4.8h to finish. The book has 43,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Missing person have an AR quiz?
Yes — Missing person has an AR quiz available, worth 6 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 Missing person?
Missing person has an AR reading level of 4.7, which places it at a 4th 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.