Upon overhearing that her entire family has been killed in a car accident, Jessa, decides to disappear fearing she’ll be labeled an orphan and be sent to a home. Recalling her father speaking about his horror stories of life as an orphan, she is determined to prove at age eleven she can take care of herself and her dog Cassie. Using the skills learned from parents and grandparents help her to survive. She and Cassie take shelter in a very large trunk of a hollowed out tree. This young girl proves to be extremely resourceful.

When she disappears, a black man who happened to give her parents a ride the day of the accident is accused of having something to do with her disappearance. The Missing Girl is set in Tennessee in the 1950’s when racial prejudices abound. The accusations are based solely on his skin color.

I was truly intrigued with the description of how she feeds, clothes, and washes herself and her dog. Reminded me just a little bit of The Boxcar Children.

This is a good story even though after Jessa finally reveals herself, the story moved slowly for me.. Jessa’s story is open ended so Readers can enjoy learning more of the life of impressive Jessa and find out if she is able to carry her deceased fathers wishes.

When Jessa's parents and grandfather are killed in an automobile accident. Jessa hears that she will sent to a home for orphans. Remembering her father's horror stories about his life as an orphan, Jessa runs away with her dog Cassie to prove to the town that she is capable of taking care of herself. Lessons learned from parents and grandparents help her to survive. When she disappears, a black man who gave her parents a lift home the day of the accident is accused of having
something to do with her disappearance. Tension rises between the white and black town folk and a deadly confrontation is averted.
While this story takes place in the 1950's, suspicions for crimes continue to fall on the black community today.
#TheMissingGirl #PeanutButterPublishing #NetGalley

I am 75 years old, and The Missing Girl by Stacia Moffett took me back to the 1950s in Tennessee, a time I remember all too well. It tells the story of young Jessa, who runs away after tragedy strikes her family, and the small-town tensions that follow. I feel that Stacia was able to capture the racial divide of that era perfectly, showing how deep the suspicions ran. It’s a heartfelt, honest portrayal of a painful time, and Jessa’s journey is one of strength and survival.

Definitely a good read for anyone into historical drama. Jessa’s struggle to survive with her dog, Cassie, is intense and makes you think about how unfair the world can be. It’s a gripping story that mixes survival, mystery, and important social issues. The Missing Girl by Stacia Moffett is a powerful story set in 1950s Tennessee. Jessa, a young girl, runs away after her family dies in a car crash, and the whole town reacts. The tension builds as the Black community is blamed for her disappearance, showing how fear and racism affected everyone back then. Very interesting and I cannot wait to finish Jessa Is Back.

The Missing Girl by Stacia Brandon Moffett is a hauntingly beautiful story set in the 1950s South. As a middle-aged woman who grew up hearing about “the good old days,” this book was a powerful reminder of the harsh realities faced by those living in a deeply segregated society. The story of young Jessa, who runs away after losing her family, captivated me from the start. Moffett’s portrayal of racial tensions in a small Tennessee town is both unsettling and thought-provoking. This novel is a must-read for anyone who values a gripping story with a strong social message.

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

This is the story of a white girl growing up in Tennessee in the 1950s. Set during the time of Jim Crow and racism, the story is mainly about her being on her own, because she fears foster care and losing her beloved dog. There is an experimental music program, only in the white school, pushed by her father, who owns a music shop. Her family are not racist, although the community is. When her grandfather has his own health emergency, a black customer kindly offers them a ride home, where they get car, grandfather, and they crash and are all killed. The girl, in fear, lives in a hollow tree in the woods near her grandparents’ farm. Detailed description of how she feeds, clothes, and washes herself and her dog.

Finally, estranged family come to the farm. She meets them and likes them. Alas, she finds that although she thought no one cared, her father had gone to great lengths to ensure her support should she become an orphan. So, now she has two families that want her! She has to choose, and the adults allow her too. Everyone is glad to see her, and she apologizes to people for all of the worry – and other trouble – she’s caused. And, she plans to make her fathers’ dreams come true.

I’m sure that more of this will be in the next book, which I can hardly wait to read!

This is a thought-provoking novel that not only offers a suspenseful narrative but also invites readers to reflect on the parallels between the racial tensions of the 1950s and today. Stacia skillfully captures the fear and prejudice that pervade the town, illustrating how deeply ingrained racism can distort justice and humanity. Jessa’s struggle for survival in the wild is both heart-wrenching and compelling, as she faces the elements while wrestling with her grief. Her journey is more than just a physical one; it’s a powerful exploration of innocence lost and the harsh realities of a divided society.

I really loved "The Missing Girl." The story is both gripping and touching, set in 1950s Tennessee with all its challenges. I was drawn in by how it deals with tough issues like racial tensions while following Jessa’s journey. I’m excited to read the second book, "Jessa is Back," and see what happens next!

This book is a gripping and emotionally charged novel that dives into complexities of loss and the search for truth. Moffett’s writing is very immersive, drawing readers into the characters’ struggles and triumphs. The pacing is well-crafted, keeping you on the edge of your seat as the mystery unfolds!
Highly recommended for fans of psychological thrillers and emotional dramas!

This book is difficult to categorize.
The cover and description make it appear to be written for a middle-grade audience. The array of different characters to keep up with, immense details, and sheer length would be difficult for some readers to get through, however.
An interesting novel for readers who like to read about things unlikely to actually happen, and that are able to suspend disbelief to enjoy a book..