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Jonah and Katherine face their most challenging mission yet in this fifth installment of Margaret Peterson Haddix's New York Times bestselling The Missing series. When they learn their next assignment involves returning Albert Einstein's daughter to history, they're convinced it's a mistake—everyone knows Einstein only had sons. But history holds secrets even time travelers don't expect.
Albert Einstein really did have a daughter. Lieserl Einstein was born in 1902, and her birth and subsequent disappearance became one of history's most intriguing mysteries. Historical records suggest she died of scarlet fever as an infant, but the truth is far more complicated. When Jonah and Katherine travel back to the early 1900s to restore the timeline, they discover that fixing history won't be as straightforward as their previous missions.
The real challenge comes from an unexpected source: Lieserl's mother, Mileva Einstein. As Jonah and Katherine work to complete their mission, they realize that Mileva understands far too much about time travel and their true purpose. Her knowledge threatens everything they're trying to accomplish, and she has one clear intention—she will not let her daughter disappear from history. This creates a moral dilemma that tests both young time travelers as they navigate the consequences of changing the past.
Margaret Peterson Haddix masterfully blends historical facts with science fiction adventure in this hardcover edition. The story takes readers to Europe during the 1900-1919 period, bringing to life the world of one of history's most famous scientists while exploring themes of family, sacrifice, and the weight of historical truth. The narrative combines educational elements about Albert Einstein's lesser-known family history with the pulse-pounding action that has made The Missing series a favorite among middle grade readers.
Ideal for ages 9-12, Caught delivers mystery, adventure, and thought-provoking questions about history and choice. The strong female characters, including both Katherine and Mileva Einstein, provide compelling role models for readers. This installment stands as both an exciting continuation of the series and an accessible entry point for new readers curious about time travel adventures grounded in real historical events.
About the Author: Margaret Peterson Haddix is the author of many critically and popularly acclaimed YA and middle grade novels, including the Children of Exile series, The Missing series, the Under Their Skin series, and the Shadow Children series. A graduate of Miami University (of Ohio), she worked for several years as a reporter for The Indianapolis News. She also taught at the Danville (Illinois) Area Community College. She lives with her family in Columbus, Ohio. Visit her at HaddixBooks.com.