All That's Missing

by Sarah Sullivan

When his grandfather’s dementia raises the specter of foster care, Arlo flees to find his only other family member in this genuine, heartening novel. Arlo’s grandfather travels in time. Not literally—he just mixes up the past with the present. Arlo holds on as best he can, fixing himself cornflakes for dinner and paying back the owner of the corner store for the sausages Poppo eats without remembering to pay. But how long before someone finds out that Arlo is taking care of the grandfather he lives with instead of the other way around? When Poppo lands in the hospital and a social worker comes to take charge, Arlo’s fear of foster care sends him alone across three hundred miles. Armed with a name and a town, Arlo finds his only other family member—the grandmother he doesn’t remember ever meeting. But just finding her isn’t enough to make them a family. Unfailingly honest and touched with a dash of magical realism, Sarah Sullivan’s evocative debut novel delves into a family mystery and unearths universal truths about home, trust, friendship, and strength—all the things a boy needs.

Genres: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Family, Young Adult, Childrens, Juvenile, Friendship

MP3 CD

First published October 8, 2013

About the author

Author of ALL THAT'S MISSING, which received a starred review from the Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books and 4 picture books, including PASSING THE MUSIC DOWN which was an NCTE Notable Book in the Language Arts. Her second book, DEAR BABY: LETTERS FROM YOUR BIG BROTHER was an Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold award winner. Her fifth picture book, A DAY FOR SKATING, illustrated by Madeline Valentine, was published by Candlewick in 2019. She holds an MFA in Writing for Children from Vermont College where she won the Harcourt Post-Graduate Scholarship. She also received an Individual Artist Grant/Fellowship from the West Virginia Arts Commission and lives with her husband in Williamsburg, VA. Loves theater -especially Sondheim musicals -, visiting bookstores and walking on the beach. For more info visit her website at www.sarahsullivanbooks.com

Reviews

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arlo is an orphan who lives with his grandpa, Poppo. Poppo's memory is not so good anymore. He wonders about and forgets things a lot. Poppo has a stroke and ends up in the hospital; Arlo ends up in a group home. He decides to run away and find his grandma, Ida Jones. Ida lives in Edgewater, Virginia, so Arlo hops a bus for the 350 mile trip. He hasn't seen Ida since he was 2 years old when his parents died. There were hard feelings between Ida and her husband and Poppo. But Ida is happy to see Arlo and takes him in. He settles into Edgewater, makes new friends and starts learning more about his father. He still thinks about Poppo, who he talks to on the phone, and worries about living so far from him. Ida had planned on selling her house and moving to a retirement community, but all that changed when Arlo arrived. The prospective buyer, Mr. Grainger, is pretty insistent however and starts causing trouble for Ida.

There aren't a lot of books like this with a kid dealing with a grandparent's Alzheimer's. I enjoyed the fact that even without parents Arlo had a loving family who really wanted what was best for him. The mystery surrounding Mr. Grainger was interesting and surprising. I also really enjoyed Arlo's new friend Maywood. I liked her family and her obsession with ghosts. I also like that the supernatural occurrences were not explained. We don't know what really happened, if anything happened or if it was all in Arlo's imagination. Good story and mystery.

I received this book from Netgalley.com.

[Laura Phelps · Rating 3 out of 5]

Arlo lives with his grandfather, who is slowly descending into Alzheimer’s and winds up in the hospital. Rather than getting stuck in foster care, Arlo runs away on his own to find his mysterious grandmother who he has no memory of. Arlo’s fear and sense of aloneness is palpable and his willingness to do almost anything to protect his grandfather and escape foster care is entirely believable. What gets a little weird, though, is that the introduction of magical realism/ghosts towards the end. It feels like a twist that is both unnatural and forced in an otherwise strong story about family, friendship and vulnerability.

[Jacob Cannegieter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing. The characters were all great, and I loved hearing each one. The characters all had a hard time, but they all had their own ways to solve it. Poppo, the grandfather of 11 year old son (almost 12) is very old, and doesn't have the best health conditions. Arlo finds it hard to keep track of his grandfather. When his grandfather isn't able to help him, Arlo finds more troubles ahead of him, and this time he is on his own.
I loved the relationships in this book. I liked how the characters were able to get along (or not get along). They all had some problems, and all were not able to solve them with in a second, like some problems. The arrow didn't always point their way. I didn't love the description a whole lot. There was very little in times you want to know what's going on. There were a few missing parts of the book. The author never finished some "stories", such as the ghost in the attic. I never knew who it was, or why it happened. Otherwise, the way Arlo made it through, was quite amazing and I enjoyed finding out.
Another reason I liked this book was because it was very unique. I haven't read a book like this, probably in my whole life. Most books seem to go all perfect, relationships are connected strongly, and it's almost like a unicorn flying on a cloud. But this one, there are trials. There was even a city that doesn't exist, mixed with Richmond, VA. The scenery changes as well, the background switches places with another.
I learned a lot from this book. It makes me realize how important families are, and to make the best of life. Your family is so important, and this book shows you what happens without family. It teaches you how to solve problems, such as when Arlo was alone. I also learned how to make the best of your circumstances, and your life as well. Great book. I would suggest this book to anybody. (There aren't boring paragraphs that you want to skip. Read every single word.)

[Heidi Betts · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first 280 pages of this book were a wonderful, touching story about a young boy dealing with finding and adjusting to a new family after his grandfather and primary caregiver ends up in the hospital. Around page 280, pretty much everything is resolved, and I think the book should have ended here. Instead, the last 80 pages are about ghosts, bad guys, and a lost painting that readers didn't even know was missing until it's found. It doesn't feel like it fits with the rest of the book. It almost felt like the author had two novels in her and decided to get it all out at once without fully developing either story to its fullest.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Touching story about Arlo, a young boy who is trying to take care of his grandfather, while trying to hide the fact that his grandfather's mental capabilities are declining. When the police find the grandfather in a dumpster, he is quickly admitted to the hospital and the truth comes out. Arlo then runs away to find his grandmother who he hasn't had any contact with in 9 years. Arlo is a strong, resilient, yet fragile character and I grew to care about him quite a bit.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arlo, an 11-year old boy, cares for his grandfather who has Ahlzheimer's. DCFS gets involved, he runs away and finds his grandmother, his only other living family. Loved his tender feelings portrayed, love and family explored, and friendship. The story also included a mystery, racial issues, and humor. A great read!

[Liz Fichera · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I loved best about this story was how Alzheimer's was portrayed in the eyes of middle-schooler, Arlo. Very authentic and genuine.

[Mariah Meetze · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Arlo’s grandfather travels in time. Not literally — he just mixes up the past with the present. Arlo holds on as best he can, fixing himself cornflakes for dinner and paying back the owner of the corner store for the sausages Poppo eats without remembering to pay. But how long before someone finds out that Arlo is taking care of the grandfather he lives with instead of the other way around? When Poppo lands in the hospital and a social worker comes to take charge, Arlo’s fear of foster care sends him alone across three hundred miles. Armed with a name and a town, Arlo finds his only other family member — the grandmother he doesn’t remember ever meeting. But just finding her isn’t enough to make them a family." I highly recommend all age groups to read!

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most wonderful way to spend an afternoon reading this book

Love the character development coupled with aging care needs with a little intrigue to bring just the right blend to settle in for a great read!

[Amanda Green · Rating 2 out of 5]

Slow doesn’t begin to describe how hard it was to get into this book
I wanted to like it but...just couldn’t get past 200 pgs

[Cathy Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arlo Sabatini's parents died when he was two years old so there's just been himself and his grandfather, Poppo, for as long as Arlo can remember.

Lately though, Poppo has been getting the past mixed up with the present and Arlo has been doing his best to look after him but how long can he carry on without someone finding out. Then Poppo has a stroke and is taken to hospital.

Arlo is sent to a children's home when it becomes apparent there's no-one to look after him. And so Arlo takes matters into his own hands and runs away to his grandmother Ida's house. Ida and Poppo haven't spoken for years and Arlo can't really remember his grandmother.

Poppo recovers well but decides it's best for both him and Arlo if he goes into sheltered accommodation and Arlo stays with his grandmother in Edgewater.

While Arlo is trying to come to terms with his mixed emotions about the changes in his life and work out why his grandmother and Poppo have been on bad terms, he and his new friend, Maywood help to solve a decades old mystery.

Performance

A delightful and touching story given a convincingly sensitive and warm delivery by MacLeod Andrews.

Thoughts

Such a moving and thoughtful story with a lovely main character. I wanted to scoop Arlo up and look after him. It's also the story of a boy's determination, strength and love as well as family and trust. Real emotion shone through the writing without it being slushy or soppy.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

For eleven-year-old Arlo Jones, all that's missing is a home. Until fairly recently, he's lived with his maternal grandfather, Poppo. But lately, his grandfather seems forgetful and given to wandering around by himself. When the elderly man has a stroke and is hospitalized, Arlo heads off on a 300 mile bus trip to Edgewater, Virginia, in search of Ida, his paternal grandmother, the only other relative whose name he knows. After all, even a family member that he doesn't know has to be better than living in foster care. Not surprisingly, Ida isn't sure what to do with Arlo, especially since his presence reminds her of her deceased son. The youngster quickly finds new friends in Maywood, a dog named Steamboat, and starts to feel that he might actually have a home. Arlo's story is engaging enough in it own rights since it describes the very real fears that children have when an elderly caretaker becomes too ill to take care of them. The story is complicated further, though, with a plot involving the search for something hidden within the walls of Ida's house. I enjoyed the book thoroughly, but was troubled only by the thought of what might happen to Arlo if Ida becomes ill as well. It's clear that Poppo loves his grandson, but there isn't a lot he can do to combat his dementia. While some of the characters, good and bad, make only brief appearances, I'm glad Arlo has so many individuals who seem to care about him.

[Leslie Zampetti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Arlo knows something's not right with his grandfather. But as long as he can keep Poppo from burning the house down accidentally, Arlo can avoid the dire fate of foster homes or an orphanage, both of which his best friend Sammy knows from experience it's best to avoid. But when Poppo ends up in the hospital, a social worker tries to help Arlo by placing him in a shelter. Less than a night, and Arlo knows this is no place for him. He cleverly escapes the shelter and sets out to find his grandmother on his father's side, a woman he's never known. Still, family is better than the foster home, right?

Sullivan must have been a sixth grade boy in a former life, because Arlo is completely believable in his actions and reactions, and her story of how Arlo finds his grandmother and navigates the mysteries of his life - why didn't Poppo and Ida get along? what was his father like? - brings to light both the complexities of family relationships and the simplicity of love and friendship. An added bonus is the subtle way Sullivan makes plain that certain characters are African-American and that Arlo is most likely mixed-race, which lends weight to Poppo and Ida's disapproval of each other.

All in all, All That's Missing will likely be appreciated by many, many middle-graders as they follow Arlo on his adventure to find a home.

[Anna-Maria Crum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt for Arlo and the difficulties he was facing. His grandfather is showing signs of dementia and the only other relative he has is a grandmother he hasn't seen since he was two. Arlo doesn't want to end up in foster care so he makes a plan to find his grandmother. He finds a carving his deceased father made and uses it as a talisman on his quest to find a new home.

Arlo is a resourceful and brave character, but the touches of magic realism supplied by the carving didn't work for me. It felt like a device that let Arlo get what he wanted without too much difficulty. The slower pace of the story also made the middle feel directionless rather than having an ongoing plot driving it. The mystery also came into the story much too late, and again, felt like a device to keep the middle from sagging.

I gave the book four stars because I think a lot of people will enjoy the story. There is a lot that is very sweet about it, The characters are dimensional and I did feel for Arlo. It just that overall, it wasn't quite my cup of tea. I like action and adventure and that's my prejudice when it comes to books. But thank God there are lots of people out there with different tastes which gives authors a chance to find an audience and gives the world a diversity of ideas and stories.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally got my copy as I've missed all Sarah's signing events around town. =(

Congratulations to Sarah Sullivan on her great first novel! All That's Missing is the story of Arlo, living in a West Virginia city with his maternal grandfather Poppo (readers will adore Poppo) until Poppo starts exhibiting signs of memory loss. Arlo then runs away to find his paternal grandmother, Ida Jones in the Tidewater area of Virginia and learns to live and thrive in his new environment.

When I first read about the subject matter of this book I was a bit worried - Alzheimer's (if that's what Poppo is suffering from) can be a difficult topic even for adults, but Sullivan skillfully saves the book from turning too sad or maudlin for middle-grade children. The portions of the book set in Edgewater are delightful and I so wanted to go sit in the bookstore tree-house! What a lovely image!

Wonderful, sweet book - highly recommended.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received a free copy from NetGalley.


Arlo has lived with his grandfather, Poppo, since his parents were killed in a car accident when he is very young. Lately, Poppo's memory isn't what it once was. Poppo wanders around town and doesn't always recognize Arlo. Arlo spends his time worrying about his grandfather, caring for his grandfather, and trying to avoid being sent to a foster home. A stroke lands Poppo in the hospital and sends Arlo on an adventure to escape foster care, find his paternal grandmother, and unravel the mystery of the family feud.

I loved Arlo! He had a lot of spunk, was very clever, and a very caring kid. He carried a load of adult responsibilities way beyond his years, but at other times demonstrated he was just a kid. It's obvious how much Arlo loved his family by the lengths he went to to keep it together. Arlo struggled to make hard choices about his life, his grandfather, and what was best for all involved. I admit I needed a kleenex a two a few times while reading this book and wondered if I could have done the same as Arlo if faced with similar circumstances.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Arlo is an eleven-year-old boy who, as long as he can remember, has lived with his grandfather. But Poppa's starting to "time-travel," as Arlo calls it - he's having memory problems that adult readers will recognize as the onset signs of Alzheimer's disease. When Poppa ends up in the hospital, Arlo is faced with the possibility of going into foster care. It's either that... or find his grandmother on the other side, with whom Poppa has always had a strained relationship.

If this book had stuck to the premise of Arlo's journey of discovering his family history, I would have liked it a lot better. For some reason Sullivan seemed to think that wasn't a story worthy of telling on its own and threw in a rather predictable "Grandma's selling the house and moving into a retirement community and someone is way too interested in the property" plot, complete with nefarious, mustache-twirling villains. This would have been a four-star book if Sullivan had just left well enough alone and allowed us to journey with Arlo through his family history.

[Medeia Sharif · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arlo’s parents are deceased and he lives with his maternal grandfather, aka Poppo. Many times he’s on his own since Poppo is forgetful, drifts into the past, and eventually ends up in a hospital. Arlo doesn’t care to be in an orphanage because of horror stories he’s heard, so he runs away to find his long-lost paternal grandmother.

Relying on the kindness of strangers, Arlo finds who he’s looking for. Staying with his grandmother, he learns what kept his mother and father’s families apart. Also, after befriending a girl named Maywood, he sets to solve a mystery involving some bad guys and something hidden inside his grandmother’s house.

This is a delightful story. There were some scenes that were wordy and dragged on, but other than that I recommend this fantastic middle grade novel with its gritty and sweet spots. I read this via NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher.

[Terry]

Teen: All That's Missing engages the reader. It is slightly sad but not so sad that you leave the book feeling melancholy. Arlo is a smart and relatable kid who makes good decisions. His bravery is something younger kids can relate to and look up to. Although I'm on the upper edge of the target audience, I liked the book and would read it again. The book very successfully blends elements of sadness with elements of adventure. Without spoiling the end, there is happiness and loose ends are tied up well.

Read the Pros and our Recommendation in the full review at The Reading Tub®. You can add your review, too.

[Karen Arendt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story very much. Arlo, whose parents died when he was young, lives with his grandfather; he works so hard to keep things going for himself and his grandfather, who is showing signs of Alzheimer's. Because relationships were strained between his father's parents and his mother's parents, Arlo hadn't gotten to know his maternal grandparents very well. When Arlo's grandfather ends up in the hospital, though, Arlo, not wanting to to to foster care, runs off to see his grandmother, who is not expecting him. The story is full of heart, and well-intentioned adults- both grandparents and childhood friends of his father.

[Crete Public Library District · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review by Gail (youth services) This is a good story of an eleven-year-old boy, Arlo, who lives with his grandfather who time travels. Not literally - he just confuses the past with the present.

This is the only family Arlo knows and when his grandfather lands up in the hospital, foster care becomes a possibility that he does not want to happen. He has a name and a town of his maternal grandmother and he sets off to find her. Will finding her find him the family he wants? Read and see.

[Krista Stevens · Rating 3 out of 5]

First YA book I have read that featured how damaging Alzheimer's is to families. Arlo lives with his grandfather since his parents died when he was two. As Poppo increasingly "travels in time" as Arlo names it, Arlo's life becomes more difficult. At 11-years-of age, being a care-taker for someone who wanders out at the middle of the night is rather overwhelming.

This plot line becomes secondary at the story moves to Arlo living with his paternal grandmother. Probably more of a 3.5.

Characters with the last name of Stoneham (they're dead, but still - that's the town I teach in!)

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

I kind of liked this book. I wasn't really into it but I read it anyway. I read two books before finishing it . That's why it seems I took too long to finish. I wouldn't recommend it. The characters need more personality and happiness. I'm not and adult so I may have a different opinion than an adult.
Arlo's grandfather wanders in his memory. He can't tell past from present sometimes and ends up in the hospital. Arlo has to go to a shelter for orphans but he runs away to another state to live with his grandma. He ends up living with her at the end.

[Great Books]

Eleven-year-old orphan, Arlo, has spent the last nine years living with his grandfather, Poppo, who has slowly developed demensia. When Poppo suffers a stroke and winds up in the hospital, Arlo decides to escape foster care by traveling 300 miles alone to find his paternal grandmother whom he has never met. Once there, he learns the true meaning of family and, with a new friend, helps uncover a mystery that has been hidden within the walls of his grandmother's house for decades. Reviewer #8

[Sheri S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah is a genuine story teller. The reader is pulled immediately into Arlo's difficulties, which he handles like a champ! I enjoyed the dementia issues and social workers and foster home care, and of course the wonderful ploy of finding his only relative he's never met. I couldn't stop reading and cheered for Arlo all the way. I believe there are many children who will be able to identify with his hardships and learn from his courage.
Thanks Sarah for this story!!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arlo has been hiding his grandfather's increasing dementia until the day his grandfather has a stroke and social services moves in to provide Arlo temporary shelter. Fearful in this situation Arlo sets out to find his other grandmother and discover the untold story of the animosity between the two sides of the family. Filled with big issues and small and a great cast of characters, the reader is cheering on a whole cast of likeable characters.

[Gail Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good story of an eleven-year-old boy, Arlo, who lives with his grandfather who time travels.
Not literally- he just confuses the past with the present. This is the only family Arlo knows and when his grandfather lands up in the hospital, foster care becomes a possibility that he does not want to happen. He has a name and a town of his maternal grandmother and he sets off to find her. Will finding her find him the family he wants? Read and see.

[Sarah Fox · Rating 3 out of 5]

I related to the themes of foster care; guardianship; sense of belonging; and dementia. I enjoyed the metaphor and motif of Arlo's dam. Arlo is trying to take care of things hoping on one will find out and somehow things will improve. When Poppa has a stroke, Arlo is sent to a shelter and embarks on a quest to find his grandmother, Ida Jones in Edgewater, VA. People help him along the way and Arlo finds the answers, love, and the home he was seeking.

[Jacqui · Rating 3 out of 5]

The discussion of first world orphans is explored in this thoughtful novel. The characters were strong and the story had a nice twist but also the annoying plot trope of boy mistrusting caregiver because caregiver does not disclose all information necessary for trust but it resolves it quickly (second time round) and redeems itself.

[Lois Szymanski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Sarah Sullivan's newly released book "All That's Missing" and absolutely nothing was nothing missing from this manuscript. Not one plot detail. Not one unwrapped thread. Not a word was wasted in this wonderful tale of a boy searching for himself in the details missing from his past.