MODULE 9: Abduction

Genre:

Mystery

Book Summary:

When Bonnie’s brother, Matt, goes missing from his school, no one suspects his absentee father of the abduction. Matt knows not to talk or go with strangers, but Denny uses the family’s dog, Pookie, to lure Matt into the car. To deter Matt from calling home or seeking help, Denny tells him that his mother and Bonnie are dead and reveals that he is Matt’s father. After a chance encounter leads Bonnie to Matt and Denny, the two siblings must work together to escape and return home to their mother.

APA Reference of Book:

Kehret, P. (2006). Abduction. New York: Puffin Books.

Impressions:

Meg is a strong, female character who never gives up on finding her brother. She bravely goes after Matt even though Denny has him, and she keeps her cool on the ferry. Abduction is an enjoyable read but some parts of the plot are a little contrived. For example, even though Denny had never been around, it seems the police would have pursued every angle from the beginning. It also seems like Denny’s sister would have been more skeptical about her brother suddenly showing up with his son. This is a good reminder to talk to kids about strangers and what to do in a similar situation, however the group that needs this the most is too young to read the book.

Professional Review:

In a highly suspenseful but simply written kidnapping story, 13-year-old Bonnie tries to find her five-year-old brother, Matt, when the boy is taken by his sociopath father, whom he’s never met. Kehret tells the story from many different perspectives, including those of Bonnie, Matt and the kidnapper, Denny. She dramatizes the police and community efforts to find the boy, and highlights Denny’s twisted personality as well as little Matt’s responses to his predicament and the missed opportunities of others who inadvertently come into contact with the case. When Bonnie decides to pursue Denny on her own, her efforts lead to a dramatic climax that may put her own life in danger. Kehret writes these stories over and over again, but she always demonstrates a deft touch in maintaining suspense while keeping her narrative light enough for the age of her intended audience. It’s entertaining and enlightening for older children as well as some reluctant adolescent readers.

APA Reference of Professional Review:

Abduction! (Book). (2004). Kirkus Reviews, 72(22), 1090.

Library Uses:

Abduction is narrated by alternating characters so this could be used to demonstrate point of view.

Readalikes:

I’m Not Who You Think I Am, by Peg Kehret – 13-year-old Ginger is being stalked by a woman who believes Ginger is her daughter and is planning to kidnap her.

The Abduction (Kidnapped series), by Gordon Korman – Aiden’s sister, Meg, is kidnapped and Aiden has to work with the FBI to get her back.

Runaway Twin, by Peg Kehret – Separated by her twin ten years prior, Sunny runs away from foster care to find her but she may not like what she finds.