The novel Found, written by Margaret Peterson Haddix, is the first installment in The Missing series. It follows the adventures of a 13-year-old adoptee named Jonah Skidmore as he uncovers his mysterious past and draw dropping revelations about history and time travel.
Unraveling The Mystery
The drama unfolds when Jonah and his friend Chip, who also turns out to be adopted, start receiving anonymous letters warning them that they are “the missing”. The journey to uncover the true meaning of these cryptic messages leads them to the FBI and an enigma of sealed adoption records.
Determined to find answers, they break into Chip’s family safe where they find contact information of an FBI agent, James Reardon. An unconventional meeting with Reardon suggests a sinister past involving a baby smuggling ring – a shocking explanation for their sealed adoption files.
The Discovery of Time Travel
An unexpected encounter with a janitor at the FBI office leads Jonah and Katherine to a file which includes a list of names titled under ‘witnesses’ and ‘survivors’. Their names along with others were in the group of ‘survivors’. The children listed as survivors were all born 13 years ago, adopted, and have received similar letters. Further investigation brings them to Angela DuPre, a former airline gate agent, who recounts an eerie incident of a plane materializing out of nowhere carrying 36 babies with no crew on board. She suggested the plane was actually a time machine, and it’s implied that these babies were time travelers.
The Truth About The Missing
It’s revealed that the babies were victims of a time displacement incident caused by a corporation named Interchronological Rescue. The company initially aimed to save children from historical catastrophes by transporting them to the future and placing them for adoption. These rescued children are the ‘Missing’ from history, including prominent figures. However, this rescue mission goes awry, causing significant changes in time.
Unsettling Choices
After a series of dangerous confrontations with employees of Interchronological Rescue, the children are presented with anguishing choices. They are asked to decide whether they want to continue their lives in the present or revert back to their original time in the past. Their decisions will conclude the chaotic journey of figuring out their identities.
Unforgettable Climax
The novel ends on a climactic note with Jonah, Katherine, Chip, and another survivor being involuntarily sent back to the 15th century. Despite threats of damaging time, JB, the janitor and a character of significance, allows them the time to rectify the past for their safe return to the 21st century.
Conclusion
Found sets off a series of thrilling adventures revolving around time, history, and identity. The key themes throughout the book challenge readers to think about their choices, the value of camaraderie, and the tumultuous journey of self-discovery.