The Face on the Milk Carton

The Face on the Milk Carton was published in 1990. The teenage characters do not have technology like smartphones or social media accounts. How might the presence of the technology available in 2020 alter the novel’s plot? Choose two moments in the novel and explain why they would play out differently if they occurred in the year 2020.

The author wrote The Face on the Milk Carton in third-person limited point of view. She provides access to Janie’s thoughts through a narrator but does not tell the story in Janie’s own voice. Citing specific passages, explain how third-person narration suits the novel’s narrative.

The Johnsons and the Springs hail from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Discuss three ways in which the Springs’ lifestyle differs from the Johnsons’. How do these differences affect Janie’s feelings about which family she belongs to?

One way in which Janie identifies herself is through her friendships. Comparing herself to Sarah-Charlotte and Adair helps Janie recognize the traits that make her unique. What are some of the differences that Janie recognizes? Provide details from the text to support your answer.

Hannah does not appear in the present-day action of the novel. Still, her actions influence its plot and shape its characters. Find at least two specific moments when Hannah’s character affects the narrative. What can readers infer about what Hannah was like based on those moments?

While Janie grapples with the upheaval caused by her kidnapping, she also attempts to build a romantic relationship with Reeve. How does her investigation of the kidnaping affect the growth of their relationship? Highlight at least one positive and one negative impact in your answer.

The narrator relies on suspense to deliver Janie’s story. Instead of answering the questions raised by the milk carton all at once, the narrator distributes answers throughout the book. How does this style of narration affect the pace of the novel? In your answer, provide examples of moments that slow down or speed up the pace. 

The Face on the Milk Carton appears on lists of books that have been banned for objectionable content. One reason for its appearance is because Janie and Reeve consider having sex. Discuss how their attempts to forge a physical relationship affect the novel’s plot, citing specific examples from the text.