Common Sense Media Review
Gripping, emotionally complex page-turner; sex references.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 9 parent reviews
Based on 23 kid reviews
Kids say the book evokes mixed feelings, with some readers debating its appropriateness for younger audiences due to mature themes, while others praise its engaging storyline and character development. Many found the central plot compelling, but opinions varied significantly on the handling of sexual content and character relationships.
- mixed feelings
- age appropriateness
- engaging storyline
- character development
- varied opinions
- sexual content
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In THE FACE ON THE MILK CARTON, 15-year-old Janie Johnson's world starts to crumble when she sees her own picture in a "missing" notice on a carton of milk. The photo may be of a 3-year-old, but something feels powerfully familiar, and she wonders whether her loving parents are actually kidnappers. If Janie admits what she knows, will she lose them? But if she stays quiet, will she ever know the truth?
Is It Any Good?
Teens will likely be drawn to Cooney's exciting mystery not just for the intriguing story but because they recognize the characters as real people like themselves. The Face on the Milk Carton immediately draws readers into its intrigue, but the book also encourages in-depth thought about the importance and complexity of family relationships.
Janie confronts the abrupt truth that she doesn't know who she really is. She doesn't even know her real name. Even worse, she has no idea who her parents are—neither the parents she knows, who may be kidnappers, nor the parents who lost her. And her friendship with Reeve also shifts into scary new territory as it becomes more sexual. Janie's dilemma and all the sudden change may well reflect readers' own overwhelming feelings and wider uncertainty about life.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the theme of identity in The Face on the Milk Carton. The milk carton forces Janie to question everything she thinks she knows about her life. Has anything ever made you feel confused or unsure about who you are? How does Janie maintain a sense of self amid the chaos? How might you stay true to yourself when things around you are being questioned?
What does the book say about family? How is Janie's family portrayed? Are her parents loving? Do you trust their explanation of events? Do they appear to put Janie's well-being at the center of their actions? Do they act selfishly?
How does the author build a sense of suspense? Did you find yourself keen to solve the mystery? Does the book's ending make you want to read the sequel?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Family Life
- Topics : School ( High School )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Laurel-Leaf
- Publication date : January 1, 1991
- Number of pages : 184
- Last updated : June 2, 2026
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