Missing in the Mountains
on Goodreads (9)
What’s inside...
Jarod is a snowboarder and is stuck taking care of his younger sister, Jennifer, who is a beginning skier. When a bully threatens the two, Jarod convinces Jennifer to ski out-of-bounds to avoid a conflict. They venture into the restricted area and Jennifer watches in horror as her brother is buried in an avalanche. Will Jennifer be able to rescue her brother and, together, will they be able to find their way to safety? To avoid further encounters with a bully on the ski slope, Jarod and his younger sister cross over the ski area boundary, become stranded in a snow cave, and fearfully wait to be rescued.
Age
9-12
Length
108 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the characters felt when they realized they were lost? What would you do in their situation?
What are some ways the characters worked together to solve their problem? Can you think of a time when you had to work with others to solve a problem?
What did the characters learn about the mountains and nature during their adventure? What did you learn from their experiences?
How did the characters change from the beginning to the end of the story? How do you think their adventure in the mountains changed them?
If you could ask the characters one question about their adventure, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the story to life, changing your tone of voice during tense or exciting moments to keep your child engaged.
Pause after key events in the story to ask your child how they think a character is feeling or what they think might happen next.
Link the story to your child’s personal experiences by discussing similar feelings or situations they've encountered.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or additional adventures for the characters, fostering creative thinking.
Discuss the moral or lesson of the story, and relate it to real-life ethics and values.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: In 'Missing in the Mountains,' characters must work together to overcome challenges and find their way. The story demonstrates how collaboration leads to problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in team activities at school or in sports, learning to cooperate with peers to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: Throughout the adventure, the young protagonists face their fears to navigate the mountains. Their bravery in uncertain circumstances is a central theme.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face their own fears, whether it's trying new activities, standing up for themselves, or dealing with new environments.
Example Lesson: Importance of Preparation
Explanation: The book highlights the necessity of being prepared when embarking on any adventure, showcasing the characters using maps and compasses.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of planning ahead, whether it's packing for a school trip or studying for a test.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: When the characters encounter setbacks, they persist and never give up. The story emphasizes resilience through tough situations.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to remain persistent in their tasks and challenges, understanding that resilience can lead to success.
Example Lesson: Awareness and Respect for Nature
Explanation: The setting in the mountains educates about the beauty and dangers of natural environments, promoting respect for nature.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to appreciate and take care of their surroundings during outdoor activities and understand the impact of human activities on nature.