''Stolen Children'', by American writer Peg Kehret, is a 2008 novel for young adults. In the book, a 14-year-old girl who's just finished a babysitting course and the baby she was hired to take care of are kidnapped.

Plot summary

Amy is a 14-year-old that has just lost her father and, after finishing her

babysitting Babysitting is temporarily caring for a child. Babysitting can be a paid job for all ages; however, it is best known as a temporary activity for early teenagers who are not yet eligible for employment in the general economy. It provides auton ...

course, is hired to take care of a 3-year-old baby girl from a wealthy family. After beginning her new job, the girls are kidnapped and offered for ransom by two criminals. While recording the tapes they plan to deliver to the baby's parents, Amy sends coded messages through the recordings to help the parents figure out where they are being held.

Reception

''Stolen Children'' received generally positive reviews. '' Kirkus Reviews'' called it a "sure hit for the intended audience", while Andrew Medlar, writing for ''

The Booklist ''Booklist'' is a publication of the American Library Association that provides critical reviews of books and audiovisual materials for all ages. ''Booklist''s primary audience consists of libraries, educators, and booksellers. The magazine is av ...

'', praised the story's consistent pace and drama, as well as noting that, at no point, physical violence is depicted in the book. The book was highlighted in the 2009 Children's Choices – a list of book recommendation for children and young adults – where it was praised for its enticing plot and for possibly encouraging readers to try babysitting classes. In 2010, ''Stolen Children'' was one of the three winners of the "Charlotte Award", which is sponsored by the New York State Reading Association. In 2011, Kehret was the recipient of her third

Mark Twain Readers Award The Mark Twain Readers Award, or simply Mark Twain Award, is a children's book award which annually recognizes one book selected by vote of Missouri schoolchildren from a list prepared by librarians and volunteer readers. It is now one of four Mi ...

for ''Stolen Children''.

References

{{Reflist 2008 American novels Dutton Children's Books books 2008 children's books American children's novels Novels about child abduction Mark Twain Awards