Canadian Children's Book Centre Our Choice Starred Selection (2004)
Matthew Stein is a recent arrival in a small town. Nobody really cares where he came from or even that he's showed up, except maybe Winifred (Freddie) Zoron, who's in Matthew's class and who also happens to belong to the Rebel Rescue Squad.
When Matthew doesn't make it home after school one day, the evening news reports that he's been kidnapped. What could have happened? Where could he have gone?
It takes the initiative of the Rebel Rescue Squad to really get the search underway. Weasel, the squad's fearless leader as well as Freddie's best friend, soon discovers that most of the assumptions about the boy's disappearance are wrong. The rescuers have to deal with a far more challenging mystery than expected—a mystery that lies at the center of the adult relationships in the town.
Missing Matthew is by turns hilarious, thoughtful, poignant and ultimately wise about the ways in which kids relate to one another and to the adults in their lives. Throughout, Kristyn Dunnion, a hip and cheeky new writer, charms you with her in–your–face attitude and savvy insights into kids' lives.
Reviews
"A story with heart, verve and momentum, told with humour and sparkle."
–Books in Canada
"[Young readers] will be amused by Freddie, sympathetic to her various dilemmas, and pleased that she emerges as a force to be reckoned with within her group."
–CM Magazine
"Poignant, wry, and sensitive, Dunnion's novel is an engaging read as well as an insightful exploration of the nature of friends, family, life, and death."
–Booklist
Self described saucy tart, Kristyn Dunnion is the author of novels Missing Matthew and Mosh Pit. Her short stories are published in numerous collections. She is also the trash talking, audacious MC and macho femme, Miss Kitty Galore.
Kristyn studied English Literature and Theatre at McGill University. Her passion for children’s literature and wigs led her to the University of Guelph where she completed a Masters Degree in English. She hosts burlesque parties, cabaret evenings, drag king shows and weddings, and her performance pieces are innovative and thought provoking. She also enjoys making school visits, facilitating creative writing workshops with learners of all ages, and is an excellent guest speaker. Kristyn likes to dance. She does not eat animals. She likes big boots, shaved heads, and loud music!
Visit Kristyn’s web site at www.kristyndunnion.com.
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