Common Sense Media Review
By Darienne Stewart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Suspenseful series opener leaves much unresolved for sequel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Chicago boys Simon, Henry, and Jack Barker move to Arizona, where ominous Superstition Mountain dominates their small town. Many people have died or disappeared looking for a rumored gold mine there, and the boys' parents (and every other adult they meet) forbid them to go near the place. But when their cat bolts up the mountain, they chase after her and make a grisly discovery. The boys and their neighbor, Delilah, begin to dig into the mountain's fascinating mysteries -- but someone seems determined to keep them away, no matter the cost.
Is It Any Good?
Inspired by the history and legends surrounding the noted landmark outside Phoenix, AZ, MISSING ON SUPERSTITION MOUNTAIN is a promising start to a mystery series. Author Elise Broach weaves a classic, satisfying adventure tale complete with sinister grownups, lost treasure, and perilous mishaps. Black-and-white illustrations by Antonio Javier Caparo enhance the spooky vibe.
The first book resolves very little, introducing many intriguing characters and plotlines only to set them aside, presumably for more attention later in the series. The anticlimactic ending's a letdown after such an enjoyable journey, but patient readers will eagerly follow this quartet of adventurers in the next installment, Treasure on Superstition Mountain. They may also want to read one of the many classic adventures mentioned in the story.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the children's forbidden visits to the mountain. Are they justified in breaking the rules? What would you do in the same situation?
Do you think a story that ends with so many unanswered questions is still satisfying? Why do you think mysteries are so popular with kids?
How might the story be different if the Barker boys had easy access to the Internet?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Antonio Caparo
- Genre : Mystery
- Topics : Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Animals , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Henry Holt & Company, Inc.
- Publication date : June 21, 2011
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 272
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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