Wanted!

Alice Robie's life changes in an instant when her father is found dead and an email 'confession' sent from her account makes her the prime suspect. Realizing the police won't believe the truth, Alice flees, navigating a world where technology is used to track and trap her. She must use her wits to uncover the real killer while surviving as a fugitive. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book deals directly with the murder of a parent and the betrayal of trust by authority figures. The approach is realistic and secular, focusing on the adrenaline and logistical terror of the situation. The resolution is hopeful but grounded in the reality of trauma. EMOTIONAL ARC: The story starts with a sharp, traumatic spike and maintains a high level of tension throughout. Alice moves from shock and grief to a hardened, resourceful determination. It ends with a sense of justice and hard-won safety. IDEAL READER: A 13 to 15-year-old who feels misunderstood by authority figures or peers and enjoys high-stakes survival stories. It appeals to children who feel they have to 'grow up fast' to handle their circumstances. PARENT TRIGGER: A parent might see their child withdrawing after a situation where they were falsely accused of something or when the child expresses a profound lack of trust in 'the system.' PARENT PREP: Parents should be aware of the opening scene involving the discovery of the father's body. The book can be read cold but may spark discussions about digital safety and the permanence of online evidence. AGE EXPERIENCE: Younger teens will focus on the 'coolness' of being an independent fugitive, while older teens will better grasp the psychological weight of Alice's isolation and the terrifying ease with which her identity was manipulated. DIFFERENTIATOR: Published in 1997, it was ahead of its time regarding how digital footprints (emails) can be used to destroy a person's life, adding a layer of technological vulnerability that remains relevant today.