The Disappearance

Chan, Gillian. The Disappearance. 2017. 197p. ISBN 978-1-55451-982-8. Available at FIC CHA on the library shelves.

Mike McCallum has been spending time in group homes ever since he assaulted his stepfather because that vile man had killed his brother in a fit of anger after he had bumped into him and spilled his glass. With no one to look out for him, Mike, or Mutt as his enemies call him, has learned to care for himself. Disfigured by the attack, Mike has a scary face that repels or fascinates strangers. Now in this new group home in Hamilton, Ontario, Mike makes the acquaintance of Jacob Mueller. Jacob is very quiet and never talks. He lays in bed and stares at the ceiling all night. No one quite knows what’s wrong with him, only that he was found in the woods with only one shoe and missing most of his clothes. Unwilling or unable to defend himself, Jacob is mercilessly harassed and picked on by the bullies in the group home and at school.

Not intimidated by Pat, the resident group home bully, Mike violates his oath to only protect himself. When he realizes that Jacob can talk to the dead and has had conversations with his brother, Mike is even more keen on protecting Jacob. Trying to solve the boy’s puzzle, Mike discovers that Jacob is indeed from the area, but from about 130 years ago. Now he has to find a way to send the boy back to his time, before the bullies send Jacob to the hospital, or worse. Will Mike sacrifice himself to protect this strange boy, something he wasn’t able to do with his brother.