One of the 100 most challenged books list (bookspot.com)
Exposition: Fifteen year old Janie Johnson has a boyfriend named Reeve and parents who harp on her every move.
Conflict: Janie sees a picture of herself at three right on the back of her milk carton and begins to wonder if she is truly the child of the "parents" that she has grown up with.
Rising Action:
Janie explains the situation to her parents after finding a polka dot dress in the attic that is like the one on the milk carton. Her parents explain that their daughter Hannah ran away and joined a cult. When Joanie was around three, Hannah brought her to the door and dropped her off. Fearful that the cult and the man who fathered Janie would come after her, the Johnsons moved and even changed to their current last name.
Climax:
Janie continues researching the subject and even goes to see the Springs (though she doesn't go up to them and explain) where she notices the other kids have red hair like hers. She writes to the family, only to lose the letter at school.
Falling Action:
Again, Janie speaks with her parents (along with Reeve, her boyfriend). It is finally realized that Hannah could have kidnapped Janie and she might not be the Johnson's granddaughter though they love her.
Resolution:
Janie's mom calls the Springs; Janie takes the phone and introduces herself as their daughter.
Literary Elements:
At the time this book was written, milk cartons often pictured missing children (especially those milk cartons that schools served). The author's use of this common fact, along with the typical trials of teen life help to make this a very believable story. Dialogue among the characters reflects common teen conversation as well as topics as well.
Cooney, C. B. (1991). The face on the milk carton. New York: Bantam Books.
No comments:
Post a Comment