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The Face on the Milk Carton (Janie Johnson, #1) cover
Teens · Ages 12–15

The Face on the Milk Carton (Janie Johnson, #1)

by Caroline B. Cooney

Age rating: Ages 12–15 · Teens

Age rating and Christian content guidance for parents.

First published 1990

Fifteen-year-old Janie Johnson's life is upended when she recognizes her own face on a missing person advertisement on a milk carton.

Concern Level

26/ 100

Mild

Virtue Level

37/ 100

Present

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Things to consider

Sexual Content15

Janie and Reeve share several kisses and some mild romantic physical affection.

Violence / Gore10

Physical violence is absent, though the threat of kidnapping creates significant tension.

Profanity / Language15

Contains very mild language and a few uses of 'hell' or 'damn'.

Blasphemy10

There are a few instances of God's name used as an exclamation.

Substance Use5

Substance use is not a factor in this story.

Suicide & Self-Harm10

Janie experiences intense anxiety and identity crisis but no self-harm.

Scary / Disturbing30

The psychological realization of being kidnapped is unsettling for younger readers.

Occult & Witchcraft0

There is no occult or magical content in this realistic fiction novel.

Sexuality & Gender Themes0

There are no LGBTQ+ characters or themes in this book.

Worldview & Spirituality20

The story focuses on personal identity and truth rather than a specific religious worldview.

Anti-God or Christian Portrayal0

There is no negative portrayal of Christianity or the church.

Virtues to celebrate

Courage & Sacrifice60

Janie shows bravery by seeking the truth even when it threatens her comfort.

Faith & Hope10

Faith is not a primary theme, though characters occasionally mention God or prayer.

Love & Friendship75

The story emphasizes the deep, complicated bond between Janie and her parents.

Forgiveness & Redemption40

Janie struggles to process her parents' secrets while maintaining her love for them.

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