Books About Missing Persons · 483 titles considered

The Best Missing Persons Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about missing persons? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Missing Persons

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 1999

Bud, Not Buddy

By Christopher Paul Curtis

A boy's quest to find his father leads him on an unforgettable journey during the Great Depression.

Newbery Medal (2000)Coretta Scott King Award (2000)Golden Kite Honor (2000)

245 pages· 52,497 words· Est. 6 hour read

6.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 116,594 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: In 1936 Michigan, ten-year-old Bud embarks on a daring journey to find his father, armed with a suitcase of treasures and a clue from his late mother. As he follows the trail of flyers for Herman E. Calloway and his band, Bud faces hunger, fear, and unexpected challenges. Will his determination and wit lead him to the truth about his family? Discover a heartwarming tale of resilience and adventure as Bud navigates the uncertainties of the Great Depression in search of belonging and identity.

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2018

Monday's Not Coming

By Tiffany D Jackson

A girl vanishes, and only her best friend notices. Can she uncover the truth?

Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award (2019)

435 pages· 83,524 words· Est. 8 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 88,903 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: Monday Charles is missing, and Claudia is the only one who cares. As Claudia searches for her best friend, she faces silence from Monday's family and indifference from others. With each passing day, the mystery deepens: how can a girl disappear without a trace? Claudia must unravel the truth before it's too late, but will she find answers or more questions? Dive into a gripping tale of friendship, secrets, and the haunting reality of being forgotten.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2009

Thea Stilton and the Dragon's Code

By Geronimo Stilton (Author/Illustrator), Thea Stilton · Book #1 in the Thea Stilton series

A mysterious invitation leads to a thrilling adventure at Mouseford Academy.

176 pages· 12,129 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 9,620 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: Thea Stilton, teaching journalism on Mouse Island, faces an unexpected challenge when a student mysteriously disappears. With five students by her side, Thea embarks on a thrilling quest through secret passages and underground tunnels. Can they unravel the mystery before it's too late? Surprises await at every turn in this gripping adventure.

Sale price

$2328

Chapter Book · Ages 13–18 · 1995

Sabriel

By Garth Nix · Book #1 in the Old Kingdom series

A young woman must enter a perilous realm to find her missing father and confront her destiny.

352 pages

4.2/5 Goodreads · 221,069 ratings

$24.50Save 5%

Summary: Sabriel, raised away from the dangers of the Old Kingdom, must now venture into its depths to find her missing father, the Abhorsen. Accompanied by Mogget, a mysterious cat, and Touchstone, a troubled mage, she faces the undead and dark magic. As they journey deeper, Sabriel confronts an evil that threatens more than just her life, forcing her to embrace her hidden destiny. Will she succeed in her quest, or will the forces of life and death claim her? Discover a world where magic and danger intertwine, and destiny awaits at every turn.

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2013

The Testing

By Joelle Charbonneau · Book #1 in the The Testing series

Survive the deadly Testing or lose everything in a dystopian future.

325 pages· 95,038 words· Est. 9 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 85,358 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: Sixteen-year-old Cia Vale dreams of being chosen for The Testing, a prestigious program selecting future leaders in a post-war world. But when she's selected, her father's haunting warnings reveal a darker reality. As Cia leaves her home for Tosu City, she must navigate a treacherous path filled with danger and deception. Can she trust anyone, or will her quest for leadership become a fight for survival? With her future and life on the line, Cia faces a chilling test that could change everything. Will she emerge victorious, or will the Testing claim another victim?

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Jack and the Geniuses

By Bill Nye, Gregory Mone, Nicholas Iluzada (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Jack and the Geniuses series

A scientist vanishes in Antarctica. Can three young geniuses solve the mystery?

272 pages· 49,500 words· Est. 7 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,129 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Summary: Jack and his genius foster siblings, Ava and Matt, join Dr. Hank Witherspoon in Antarctica for a prestigious event. When a scientist mysteriously disappears, the trio must unravel the truth. As they delve into the icy enigma, they face challenges that test their intellect and courage. Will they uncover the secrets hidden at the bottom of the world, or will the mystery remain unsolved? Join Jack and the Geniuses on a thrilling adventure filled with scientific wonders and unexpected twists, where the stakes are as high as the frozen peaks surrounding them.

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2017

Mrs. Smith's Spy School for Girls

By Beth McMullen · Book #1 in the Mrs. Smith's Spy School for Girls series

A girl must master spy skills to find her missing mother.

304 pages· 56,460 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 2,546 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: Abigail's world flips when her boarding school reveals itself as a spy training ground. Her mother, a top agent, has vanished with critical secrets. Teaming up with a former rival and a charming classmate, Abigail dives into Spy Training 101. As she navigates this new world, she discovers hidden talents and uncovers clues that bring her closer to her mother's mysterious disappearance. Can Abigail outsmart those who seek her mother’s secrets and find her before it's too late?

Sale price

$1900

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 1995

The Golden Compass

By Philip Pullman · Book #1 in the His Dark Materials series

A girl ventures north to rescue a friend, facing betrayal and parallel worlds.

Carnegie Medal for Writing (1995)

399 pages· 116,792 words· Est. 11 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,640,164 ratings

$20.00Save 5%

Summary: In a world of animal familiars and parallel universes, young Lyra races north to rescue her friend from the sinister Gobblers. Amidst witch clans and armored bears, her uncle Asriel's dangerous quest to bridge worlds looms. Lyra's fierce determination may save or betray those she loves. Can she navigate the treacherous path between loyalty and betrayal? Discover the thrilling journey in 'The Golden Compass,' where one girl's courage could change everything.

Sale price

$1049

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2013

Finding Serendipity

By Angelica Banks, Stevie Lewis (Illustrator) · Tuesday McGillycuddy Adventures series

A girl and her dog embark on a magical quest to find her missing mother in a land where stories come alive.

304 pages· 48,728 words· Est. 7 hour read

5.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 2,181 ratings

$10.99Save 5%

Summary: Tuesday McGillycuddy's mother, a famous author, vanishes, prompting Tuesday and her dog, Baxterr, to embark on a magical quest. In a land where stories originate, they encounter the fearless Vivienne Small, sail enchanted seas, and face a menacing pirate. As Tuesday unravels the truth about her dog and her own potential as a writer, she learns the challenges of crafting a story to its end. Will she find her mother and discover her own story within this unpredictable realm?

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015

Story Thieves

By James Riley · Book #1 in the Story Thieves series

Owen's world flips when he discovers Bethany can leap from books. Can they find her father without unraveling reality?

383 pages· 71,193 words· Est. 10 hour read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 12,415 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: Owen's mundane life takes a thrilling turn when he witnesses Bethany, a half-fictional classmate, emerge from a library book. Bethany's quest to find her missing fictional father leads them into the pages of Owen's favorite series, Kiel Gnomenfoot. But their adventure risks exposing Bethany's secret and unraveling the story's fabric. Can they navigate this literary world without causing chaos, or will they be trapped in a final, perilous chapter?

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Missing Persons Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about missing persons for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Sale price

$1999

Sylvester and the Magic Pebble

Ages 5–8 · 1969

A magic pebble grants wishes, but one wish traps Sylvester in an unexpected form.

Sale price

$1799

We Forgot Brock!

Ages 4–8 · 2015

Phillip loses his imaginary friend at the fair. Can they reunite?

Sale price

$695

I Promise I'll Find You

Ages 4–7 · 2005

A child lost, a promise to find them, a journey across worlds.

Sale price

$999

Blaze Finds the Trail

Ages 5–8 · 1950

Lost in the woods, can a boy and his pony find their way home before the storm hits?

Sale price

$699

Looking for Winston

Ages 5–9 · 2015

A young mouse searches for her missing brother in the woods

Sale price

$799

Ellie's Lovely Idea

Ages 5–9 · 2013

Ellie hopes for a singing telegram while spreading Valentine cheer for charity. Will her wish come true?

Sale price

$699

Curious George Makes Pancakes

Ages 4–7 · 1998

A curious monkey helps out at a pancake breakfast fundraiser and becomes an unlikely star.

Sale price

$1799

Sardines of Love

Ages 3–6 · 2015

Lola's fishing trip leads to unexpected challenges and a missing person mystery.

Sale price

$599

Yikes! Bikes!

Ages 5–7 · 2006

Freddy must learn to ride a bike to outpace a bully in a charity race.

Sale price

$1600

A Pipkin of Pepper

Ages 4–8 · 2004

Duck gets lost in the city while searching for soup ingredients.

Sale price

$1595

Arthur Lost and Found

Ages 5–8 · 1998

Two friends miss their stop and must navigate a strange town to find their way home.

Sale price

$1899

Mela and the Elephant

Ages 5–8 · 2018

A girl lost in the jungle learns the true value of kindness.

View all missing persons picture books

Browse by age

Missing Persons Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about missing persons for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$999

Walk Two Moons

Ages 10–14 · 1994

A girl's journey reveals secrets and a quest to find her missing mother.

Sale price

$899

One Came Home

Ages 10–14 · 2013

A girl defies the odds to uncover the truth about her missing sister in 1871 Wisconsin.

Sale price

$899

The Case of the Missing Marquess

Ages 10–13 · 2006

A young detective races against time to solve her mother's disappearance amidst danger and intrigue.

Sale price

$1499

Paper Towns

Ages 14–18 · 2008

A mysterious disappearance leaves clues for Quentin to unravel.

Sale price

$899

A Wrinkle in Time

Ages 9–13 · 1962

A stormy night, a mysterious stranger, and a quest through time to find a missing father.

Sale price

$599

The Adventures of Henry Whiskers

Ages 7–10 · 2017

A daring rescue in Rat Alley tests Henry's courage.

Sale price

$599

Clark the Shark: Lost and Found

Ages 4–7 · 2016

A young shark named Clark gets lost at the farmers' market during a field trip.

Sale price

$799

The Summer of the Swans

Ages 9–13 · 1970

Sara's search for her missing brother leads her to confront her fears and unexpected alliances.

Sale price

$1999

Hello, Universe

Ages 8–12 · 2017

A prank traps a boy in a well, sparking an unexpected rescue and new friendships.

Sale price

$1799

Forever Glimmer Creek

Ages 8–12 · 2020

A young filmmaker seeks miracles to reunite her family.

Sale price

$1399

Pretty Little Liars

Ages 13–18 · 2006

Four girls' secrets are threatened by someone who knows everything. Can they keep their past hidden?

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$2499

The Girl & the Galdurian

Ages 8–12 · 2020

Two friends embark on a quest to find a missing wizard and save their world from eternal darkness.

View all missing persons chapter books

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Our 10 Favorite Books About Missing Persons

Great books, picked for their age.

Missing Persons Picture Books

Missing Persons Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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