Meredith’s Book Review

Title: Vanished

Author: Kristi Hall

Publisher: Zonderkidz

Place and Year of Publication: United States of America, 2011

Number of Pages: 127

Where you found the book: CHS School library

Story Review:

Jeri McKane, a sixth grader at the Landmark Boarding school for girls, didn't think her life could get any worse after her mom informed her that she wouldn't be able to come to parent's weekend.  Jeri had been counting down the days on her calendar until she could she her mom again, only to have all her excitement vanish in an instant.  Jeri felt sorry for herself all the way to dinner, but then noticed that her roommate Rosa didn't show up.  She was supposed to be back hours ago from her art fieldtrip . . . so where could she be?

As Jeri was starting to worry, the Headmaster stood up to make an announcement.  As Jeri found out that the van carrying the students was missing, she could scarcely breathe.  Possibilities flooded into her mind about what could have happened to them.  As the Headmistress continued, Jeri and her friends found out that the van had been seen entering a two - mile stretch, but never came out.  That meant two possibilities for Jeri - either they drove up the mountain, or into the lake.  A search party was formed to start looking and a few students, including Jeri, went along.  They brought warm beverages and food to those looking as the temperatures started to drop. Jeri couldn't imagine how cold Rosa would be!  Jeri was certain that what they needed was an investigator and reporter, so she called up Jake, someone who had visited their school a while back.  But Jake found out just about as much information as everyone else.

Jeri was determined to do something, so she started investigating herself.  Nothing seemed to line up for Jeri, and nothing was making any sense. Jeri started to feel hopeless, but kept persevering and working hard.  Will Jeri uncover any clues? Will they find the bodies in the lake?  Will the mystery ever be solved?  This book is titled Vanished because the school van and all the students inside suddenly vanish and no one knows where they went.  The book has a theme of suspense and intrigue, and really keeps you on your toes!

Christian Perspective:

This book was written from a Christian Perspective because Jeri goes to a Christian Boarding School and often prays throughout the book.  Jeri really dealt well with the problems that faced her and never got angry with God for anything.  This book really taught me that I have to keep trusting in God even if all hope seems lost.  It also taught me that God doesn’t forget about us and that he’s always keeping us safe and watching over us.  The story was really encouraging at times and I thought it had a lot of Christian value in it.  I think that the author really used her writing to get the meaning through to the readers that God will never forsake us.

   

My Thoughts:

I chose this book because it looked interesting and because it wasn’t too long.  I thought that this book was well written and really enjoyed it because it had a clever plot and never made me bored.  I would recommend this book to grade six or seven girls because at times I felt like it was written for a younger audience.  I would especially recommend it to girls who need encouragement in their faith and who like mysteries.  Overall it was a really good book!