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Charlie and the Missing Father
Charlie had no idea that over the summer of her tenth birthday she would have to venture into the wilderness to try and find her missing father. She also had no idea that on this adventure she would encounter a bear more up close than she ever could have imagined. There were so many things she had no idea about, and wouldn’t, until they happened.
221 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 18, 2026
About the author
Carson Hughes
1 book28 followersListen to the audiobook free on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jCTe...
email, carsonhughes85@gmail.com
Carson Hughes is a middle-grade writer, author of the novel 'Charlie and the Missing Father', and the forthcoming novel 'Juniper and the Regular-Sized Chicken'. He lives with his wife and children in the Pacific Northwest and he can be found reading in a tree.
email, carsonhughes85@gmail.com
Carson Hughes is a middle-grade writer, author of the novel 'Charlie and the Missing Father', and the forthcoming novel 'Juniper and the Regular-Sized Chicken'. He lives with his wife and children in the Pacific Northwest and he can be found reading in a tree.
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August 30, 2026"She had stories happening in her head at almost all times: while climbing to the tops of trees, while eating breakfast..."Charlie lives an idyllic life with her grandparents and her parents, in the middle of an old orchard, surrounded by the forest.
She's almost ten, so there's nothing she wants more than go past her parent's boundary and truly explore the deepest parts of the woods.
But then the unthinkable happens - her father goes missing and it is up to her to find him.
"Charlie rarely disobeyed her parents, but as she got older, she started finding ways to justify her rebellious actions."
Will she have the courage to travel past the three-headed tree? And can a ten-year-old girl really find her father in the vastness of the forest?
So, there are some things that I thought worked really well for this book - Charlie was a pretty interesting character to follow.
"You better be careful out here. There are bears in this forest. Oh, and Grandfather said he heard a purple gumpus out here too."
I liked her slightly unorthodox family - living isolated on a fruit farm with a mother who traveled with the circus to earn supplemental income - made for an unexpectedly fascinating backstory.
And I quite liked the adventure through the woods - there was a good mix of the fantastical, realistic camping, and enjoyable challenges to watch her character push through.
And I was surprised by the end - so that is always a pleasant moment!
That being said, it did feel like this book took a lonnnnnnng time to get started. When I'm hit us with a title like "Charlie and the Missing Father", I'm kinda expecting him to go missing right away instead of hours after the audiobook started.
There was a lot of backstory and establishing of the characters and their lives...which is fine but also kinda felt like stalling. I kept thinking: let's get this story started! Kick the father out of the chapter! But then there'd be another chapter detailing more things about Charlie's life.
There were also a few moments where (as an adult), I was tilting my head trying to understand the logic. (Though, if I was a child, I don't think I would have picked up on it).
For example, the mother is such a good circus performer that her traveling circus waited years after she had Charlie for her to come back to performing AND apparently pays so well that when the farm was under dire financial stress, she needed to tour for a summer and support the family? Do circus performers get paid enough to save a farm?
And when Charlie gets a cut on her foot, she walks on it until she could only crawl towards the home...but no one seems concerned about infection and cleaning the wound? It felt like a fairly serious injury yet all the adults felt very casual about it.
There were a few more things like that that had adult-me squinting at the story but kid-me probably would've nodded along and not noticed.
Overall, a fairly good debut middle grade book! Looking forward to what the author writes next.
With thanks to the author for linking me the YouTube video where I listened to a free copy of the audiobook.
July 14, 2026
Thank you to the author for a copy in exchange for an honest review
Charlie and the Missing Father 3.75/5 ⭐️
This reminded me of my childhood.
Don't forget to follow me on YouTube, where I post all about my favorite clean books! https://www.youtube.com/@ItsRenity
✨Plot✨
Charlie is a young girl who lives on a farm with her parents and grandparents. Her favorite thing to do is play outside and explore. One day, her father goes missing, and it's up to Charlie to find him. She must conquer her fears and go to places of the forest she's never seen before. She makes friends along the way and has some death-defying encounters.
overall the plot was really cute and enjoyable!
✨Characters✨
The characters were so cute and lovable! I loved the personalities and the wholesomeness!
✨Writing Style✨
Easy to understand and entertaining!
✨⚔️Action⚔️✨
While there weren't tons of action, there was certainly enough to keep me well entertained!
✨Would I Recommend It?✨
Of course!! So cute if you love middle grade slower paced books!
Charlie and the Missing Father 3.75/5 ⭐️
This reminded me of my childhood.
Don't forget to follow me on YouTube, where I post all about my favorite clean books! https://www.youtube.com/@ItsRenity
✨Plot✨
Charlie is a young girl who lives on a farm with her parents and grandparents. Her favorite thing to do is play outside and explore. One day, her father goes missing, and it's up to Charlie to find him. She must conquer her fears and go to places of the forest she's never seen before. She makes friends along the way and has some death-defying encounters.
overall the plot was really cute and enjoyable!
✨Characters✨
The characters were so cute and lovable! I loved the personalities and the wholesomeness!
✨Writing Style✨
Easy to understand and entertaining!
✨⚔️Action⚔️✨
While there weren't tons of action, there was certainly enough to keep me well entertained!
✨Would I Recommend It?✨
Of course!! So cute if you love middle grade slower paced books!
July 20, 2026
I think this book would make a perfect bedtime story! I love how the book portrays children’s naïveté and Charlie’s optimism. Her determination to find her father, along with her curiosity, carries the story from chapter to chapter. The ending is incredibly wholesome and hopeful, leaving me excited for a possible sequel 😌
June 23, 2026
Charlie and the Missing Father: I thoroughly enjoyed this little summer adventure story! 10-year-old heroine Charlie was immediately lovable with her short attention span, bursts of courage, and quirky sense of humor and wonder.
Though written primarily for children, this book has a little something for everyone. Charlie’s life is a kid’s dream childhood — spending all day outside exploring, being surrounded by a loving, attentive family, learning practical life skills, and never wearing shoes!
It’s also a parent’s dream novel with plenty of practical knowledge, delightful imagination, and wholesome life lessons thrown in (not to mention the cottage-core homeschool vibes we all know and love!). Hughes made the most of every short chapter, perfect for keeping both avid and reluctant readers engaged. The story kept moving so that you really never know what Charlie is going to do next! Hughes also did a particularly good job of including and balancing kids’ real-world feelings of sadness, fear, and caution with their familiar knack for joy, wonder, and hope for their futures.
Charlie and the Missing Father is a must-add to your child’s summer reading list!
Though written primarily for children, this book has a little something for everyone. Charlie’s life is a kid’s dream childhood — spending all day outside exploring, being surrounded by a loving, attentive family, learning practical life skills, and never wearing shoes!
It’s also a parent’s dream novel with plenty of practical knowledge, delightful imagination, and wholesome life lessons thrown in (not to mention the cottage-core homeschool vibes we all know and love!). Hughes made the most of every short chapter, perfect for keeping both avid and reluctant readers engaged. The story kept moving so that you really never know what Charlie is going to do next! Hughes also did a particularly good job of including and balancing kids’ real-world feelings of sadness, fear, and caution with their familiar knack for joy, wonder, and hope for their futures.
Charlie and the Missing Father is a must-add to your child’s summer reading list!
June 30, 2026
What a fun coming of age book! I love the journey Charlie went on to find her dad and the people she met on the way. The surprise twist at the end was also so fun!
June 1, 2026
Over the weekend I listened to the coming of age audiobook of Charlie and the Missing Father by Carson Hughes.
Charlie is an adventurous and imaginative 10 year old girl who lives in the country on a cherry orchard, not far from a forest with a river. Charlie lives with her parents and her grandparents. She is highly observant and creative, loving to think up stories. Hiking with her dad is a treasured time…though she wants so much to be able to walk beyond the three headed tree when she goes out alone. Alas, she is told she is still too young.
Very unexpectedly and without known reason…Charlie’s father goes missing! Charlie and her friend Lew, also 10 years old, embark on the journey of all journeys, to locate Father.
This audiobook is an absolute treasure! Presenting multi-generational loving healthy family relationships. Realistic life situations and routines. Describing both encouragement of Charlie as well as thoughtful age appropriate rules. All done with lovely words and colorful descriptions.
This book is one of the most wholesome things I’ve read in…well, a really long time! I could see it being perfect to read or listen along with a child. It’s also written in language that a child with some reading experience could read it to their adult. It would do well being read as a classroom book. There are opportunities to pull engaging discussion questions easily.
There is a heads up. A passage in part of Charlie’s and Lew’s adventure does deal with the natural injury of a small feathered animal. A discussion ensues as to what is the most merciful action to take. The conversation includes Charlie being concerned that her Father may have met with injury or worse. The dialogue is handled gently and honestly. This could act as a bridge into a similar discussion for children ready for it. It could also be skipped by an adult reading it aloud without a huge hole in the story.
I found the audio of Charlie and the Missing Father to be fully enjoyable and precious. Such endearing characters…every single one. Even the horse.
Highly recommended.
I received an audio advanced listen copy from the author. This is my voluntary and honest review.
Charlie is an adventurous and imaginative 10 year old girl who lives in the country on a cherry orchard, not far from a forest with a river. Charlie lives with her parents and her grandparents. She is highly observant and creative, loving to think up stories. Hiking with her dad is a treasured time…though she wants so much to be able to walk beyond the three headed tree when she goes out alone. Alas, she is told she is still too young.
Very unexpectedly and without known reason…Charlie’s father goes missing! Charlie and her friend Lew, also 10 years old, embark on the journey of all journeys, to locate Father.
This audiobook is an absolute treasure! Presenting multi-generational loving healthy family relationships. Realistic life situations and routines. Describing both encouragement of Charlie as well as thoughtful age appropriate rules. All done with lovely words and colorful descriptions.
This book is one of the most wholesome things I’ve read in…well, a really long time! I could see it being perfect to read or listen along with a child. It’s also written in language that a child with some reading experience could read it to their adult. It would do well being read as a classroom book. There are opportunities to pull engaging discussion questions easily.
There is a heads up. A passage in part of Charlie’s and Lew’s adventure does deal with the natural injury of a small feathered animal. A discussion ensues as to what is the most merciful action to take. The conversation includes Charlie being concerned that her Father may have met with injury or worse. The dialogue is handled gently and honestly. This could act as a bridge into a similar discussion for children ready for it. It could also be skipped by an adult reading it aloud without a huge hole in the story.
I found the audio of Charlie and the Missing Father to be fully enjoyable and precious. Such endearing characters…every single one. Even the horse.
Highly recommended.
I received an audio advanced listen copy from the author. This is my voluntary and honest review.
June 9, 2026
What a sweet coming of age story that will grab your heart. Charlie was a rambunctious 10 year who wanted to explore the woods everyday. When her dad went missing, it made her very sad. How would she get him back? You’ll need to read the book to find out lol. I highly recommend reading this book.
May 24, 2026
The following is a review of an Advanced Listener Copy of Charlie and the Missing Father that I received from the author:
Charlie and the Missing Father was such a charming and enjoyable read. The story drew me in from the very first chapter, and I found myself very invested in the protagonist Charlie and her adventure.
The story follows Charlie, a brave and curious little girl, who sets off to find her father after he goes missing in the forest during a hike. Along the way she encounters unexpected twists, a memorable new friendship, and a few genuinely tense moments in the wilderness. Armed with knowledge passed down to her and lessons learned throughout her journey (and the help of her new friend), Charlie is able to navigate the unknown with courage and determination.
This book was family-friendly, while still being genuinely enjoyable for adults too. It’s the kind of story that feels comforting, adventurous, and fun all at once. It had a bit of humor and tons of cuteness woven throughout.
The writing flowed well, and I loved the adventurous and heartfelt plot. It balanced suspense and warmth nicely without losing the family friendly tone of the story.
The audiobook itself was also wonderfully done, and the narrator did a great job bringing the story to life.
Overall, I absolutely recommend this book, either in written or audio format for both young and adult audiences.
I really hope this isn’t the last time we get to see Charlie!
Thank you so much to the author for the ALC in exchange for an honest review!
Charlie and the Missing Father was such a charming and enjoyable read. The story drew me in from the very first chapter, and I found myself very invested in the protagonist Charlie and her adventure.
The story follows Charlie, a brave and curious little girl, who sets off to find her father after he goes missing in the forest during a hike. Along the way she encounters unexpected twists, a memorable new friendship, and a few genuinely tense moments in the wilderness. Armed with knowledge passed down to her and lessons learned throughout her journey (and the help of her new friend), Charlie is able to navigate the unknown with courage and determination.
This book was family-friendly, while still being genuinely enjoyable for adults too. It’s the kind of story that feels comforting, adventurous, and fun all at once. It had a bit of humor and tons of cuteness woven throughout.
The writing flowed well, and I loved the adventurous and heartfelt plot. It balanced suspense and warmth nicely without losing the family friendly tone of the story.
The audiobook itself was also wonderfully done, and the narrator did a great job bringing the story to life.
Overall, I absolutely recommend this book, either in written or audio format for both young and adult audiences.
I really hope this isn’t the last time we get to see Charlie!
Thank you so much to the author for the ALC in exchange for an honest review!
July 28, 2026
Charlie and the Missing Father is a cute and endearing coming-of-age story centered around a wonderfully unforgettable ten-year-old heroine.
Charlie is the kind of child who refuses to wear shoes, longs for freedom and adventure, and has an adventurous spirit that can’t be contained. She has a deep love for creatures big and small, an insatiable curiosity, and the heart of a true wild child.
She’s at that pivotal stage of childhood where she desperately wants to prove she’s capable and independent while still holding onto the innocence and wonder of being a kid. Carson Hughes captures that balance beautifully, making Charlie an endearing protagonist.
When Charlie’s father goes on a hike and never returns home, she takes it upon herself to find him. Along the way, she forms an unexpected friendship, faces a series of harrowing circumstances, and repeatedly proves herself to be resourceful, resilient, and remarkably clever.
I also appreciated how the story is infused with practical survival knowledge, adding an educational element to the story. The result is an engaging adventure filled with heart, courage, and self-discovery that will appeal to young readers who enjoy stories about resilient young protagonists and the call of the wilderness.
Charlie is the kind of child who refuses to wear shoes, longs for freedom and adventure, and has an adventurous spirit that can’t be contained. She has a deep love for creatures big and small, an insatiable curiosity, and the heart of a true wild child.
She’s at that pivotal stage of childhood where she desperately wants to prove she’s capable and independent while still holding onto the innocence and wonder of being a kid. Carson Hughes captures that balance beautifully, making Charlie an endearing protagonist.
When Charlie’s father goes on a hike and never returns home, she takes it upon herself to find him. Along the way, she forms an unexpected friendship, faces a series of harrowing circumstances, and repeatedly proves herself to be resourceful, resilient, and remarkably clever.
I also appreciated how the story is infused with practical survival knowledge, adding an educational element to the story. The result is an engaging adventure filled with heart, courage, and self-discovery that will appeal to young readers who enjoy stories about resilient young protagonists and the call of the wilderness.
July 3, 2026
Charlie and the Missing Father is a masterpiece in the form of a children’s/coming of age book. It’s set around so much adventure in the summertime on her family’s farm with a cherry orchard & in the forest around the farm.
I read this book nightly for a couple of nights with my 13 and 9 year olds. They absolutely loved it. How do I know that for sure? Because they would NOT fall asleep. They were so invested in the search for the missing father, the finding of Charlie’s friend Lew in the woods, and everything in between.
My thirteen year old said this book kind of reminds her of Coraline, because Charlie, the female main character, calls her parents mother and father. And the book shows illustrations of each character, whom she says reminds her of the “other mother.”
I especially loved the heart to heart talk the father had with Charlie about how mother is the more protective one and he’s the more lenient one. And how mother being protective isn’t her being mean, it’s a “built-in love” to always protect and keep her safe.
All in all, I believe this is a book for all ages! Perfect for classroom reading and discussion. Perfect for a family reading story.
I’d love to hear more of Charlie in maybe a YA book as she gets older?!
I read this book nightly for a couple of nights with my 13 and 9 year olds. They absolutely loved it. How do I know that for sure? Because they would NOT fall asleep. They were so invested in the search for the missing father, the finding of Charlie’s friend Lew in the woods, and everything in between.
My thirteen year old said this book kind of reminds her of Coraline, because Charlie, the female main character, calls her parents mother and father. And the book shows illustrations of each character, whom she says reminds her of the “other mother.”
I especially loved the heart to heart talk the father had with Charlie about how mother is the more protective one and he’s the more lenient one. And how mother being protective isn’t her being mean, it’s a “built-in love” to always protect and keep her safe.
All in all, I believe this is a book for all ages! Perfect for classroom reading and discussion. Perfect for a family reading story.
I’d love to hear more of Charlie in maybe a YA book as she gets older?!
June 18, 2026
From beginning to end, this story is not at all what I expected. Let me be clear, I whole-heartedly loved this book and everything in the next couple paragraphs is said with a kind of weary, bittersweet fondness.
Starting out, we're presented with a "free-range child" and her very loving, idyllic family. The writing is sporadic and choppy, setting the tone for the exhausting, unrestrained exuberance of a happy, confident child who has been well-loved, but also granted a level of autonomy most of us could never have imagined at that age (or any age really).
At first I thought I had made an error in choosing this book; I came into this life jaded, and everything about this loving, well-functioning family set my teeth on edge. How dare this kid feel so confident and secure with her caregivers!
How dare she frolic throughout her day, unencumbered by compulsory education, anxiety, or fear!
How dare she act like her voice will not only be heard, but worthy of being considered!
How dare she be treated like a whole person...
I wrestled with these feelings for the first half of the book. But then the sentences started to get longer, the internal thoughts more contemplative, and I thought maybe Hughes had hit his stride. And then the story started delivering gut punches and I realized I was a fool to have doubted this man.
Charlie and the Missing Father is not just a coming-of-age story, it's a diabolical lulling of your senses before gently tossing everything off a cliff, delivering an agonizing death to our main character's innocence. This precious, self-assured child is suddenly forced to reckon with the concept of parental neglect, the limitations of her caregivers and herself in the face of adversity, and not just the reality of death, but the power and responsibility of being the one able to offer it to another being.
Much like Eve in the Garden, Charlie's entire, perfect world is held in stasis by a forbidden tree. By making a conscious choice to push past that boundary, the Charlie that walks out of the forest in the end, will never again be the Charlie she was when she walked in. I don't know how to properly convey how much I loved this story.
Thank you so much to the author for sending me a copy!
Starting out, we're presented with a "free-range child" and her very loving, idyllic family. The writing is sporadic and choppy, setting the tone for the exhausting, unrestrained exuberance of a happy, confident child who has been well-loved, but also granted a level of autonomy most of us could never have imagined at that age (or any age really).
At first I thought I had made an error in choosing this book; I came into this life jaded, and everything about this loving, well-functioning family set my teeth on edge. How dare this kid feel so confident and secure with her caregivers!
How dare she frolic throughout her day, unencumbered by compulsory education, anxiety, or fear!
How dare she act like her voice will not only be heard, but worthy of being considered!
How dare she be treated like a whole person...
I wrestled with these feelings for the first half of the book. But then the sentences started to get longer, the internal thoughts more contemplative, and I thought maybe Hughes had hit his stride. And then the story started delivering gut punches and I realized I was a fool to have doubted this man.
Charlie and the Missing Father is not just a coming-of-age story, it's a diabolical lulling of your senses before gently tossing everything off a cliff, delivering an agonizing death to our main character's innocence. This precious, self-assured child is suddenly forced to reckon with the concept of parental neglect, the limitations of her caregivers and herself in the face of adversity, and not just the reality of death, but the power and responsibility of being the one able to offer it to another being.
Much like Eve in the Garden, Charlie's entire, perfect world is held in stasis by a forbidden tree. By making a conscious choice to push past that boundary, the Charlie that walks out of the forest in the end, will never again be the Charlie she was when she walked in. I don't know how to properly convey how much I loved this story.
Thank you so much to the author for sending me a copy!
June 25, 2026
This was such a cute and well written story. Even though it's meant for younger readers, I really enjoyed it as an adult and honestly think a lot of parents, especially moms, would enjoy it too.
As someone with ADHD and as a mom to a child with ADHD and autism, this book really hit me in the heart. Charlie's thoughts and actions felt so real. The author wrote her in a way that truly felt like it was coming from a child's mind. She was curious, imaginative, all over the place sometimes, but also incredibly smart. It was articulated perfectly.
I loved watching Charlie go on this adventure. There were moments that made my heart swell and moments that made me worry for her. The story does a wonderful job of showing a child's innocence, bravery, and how big their feelings and thoughts can be. I also loved how accepted and loved Charlie felt. That really stood out to me.
This is definitely a book I would recommend for kids, but I don't think adults should skip it either. It has a lot of heart in it. I found myself smiling through parts of it and just genuinely enjoying the journey. Overall, it was a sweet, touching story that stayed with me after I finished it.
As someone with ADHD and as a mom to a child with ADHD and autism, this book really hit me in the heart. Charlie's thoughts and actions felt so real. The author wrote her in a way that truly felt like it was coming from a child's mind. She was curious, imaginative, all over the place sometimes, but also incredibly smart. It was articulated perfectly.
I loved watching Charlie go on this adventure. There were moments that made my heart swell and moments that made me worry for her. The story does a wonderful job of showing a child's innocence, bravery, and how big their feelings and thoughts can be. I also loved how accepted and loved Charlie felt. That really stood out to me.
This is definitely a book I would recommend for kids, but I don't think adults should skip it either. It has a lot of heart in it. I found myself smiling through parts of it and just genuinely enjoying the journey. Overall, it was a sweet, touching story that stayed with me after I finished it.
July 13, 2026
A delightful story about a free-spirited girl and her adventures to save her dad.
4.5/5 ⭐️
This charming story follows Charlie, a home schooled, possibly neurodivergent, wild young girl and her free, adventurous spirit. Many additional characters take part in her wild escapades including her family, a friend, a bear, and one of my favorites - Scott the Horse, that help shape Charlie, her view of the world, and how events unfold. She ventures on a wild journey to save her dad after he doesn’t return home — and bravery, inner trust, and a little bit of magic carry them home.
I really enjoyed Charlie as our protagonist. I feel she is extremely relatable, I loved the neurodivergency representation*, and she reminded me so much of a cherished character of my own childhood, Junie B. Jones. Not only did it feel nostalgic, I felt pieces of my own niece and nephew reflected amongst the pages and it gave me new appreciation for their own free spirits.
“Charlie and the Missing Father” was a cozy, heartwarming, and heartfelt read that made me smile from ear to ear, laugh out loud, and cry in less than 200 pages. It tells a beautiful tale of self-discovery, the importance of family, and the magic in love and risking everything for those who would do the same for you. As someone approaching 30, I was invested in this much more than I thought I would be and cannot wait to share and talk about it with my niece and nephew.
I only docked half a star because I wish some aspects of the story were a bit more fleshed out; I would love to have more details because I cherish these characters so much already, but I thoroughly enjoyed every moment I did read.
For the smaller and more empathetic readers I feel it is important to share that this story does have a happy ending but it does cover some difficult topics regarding familial trauma. It touches on it in a very delicate and mindful way, but might still prompt discussion and conversations with smaller readers about the differences and struggles families can have and face.
*Note: The neurodivergency rep is never explicitly stated or explained and is fully an assumption on my part having worked with hundreds of kids, and having a nephew on the spectrum. I felt the insight into how kids with different ways of thinking might process key events or average day to day activities was really special and something a lot of kids don’t get to see or relate to in most middle-grade books.
Quotes:
“…stories appeared in her head without invitation.”
“She enjoyed doing many things, and for some reason her brain often told her to do the next thing before she finished the current thing. Charlie liked to listen to her brain.”
“Charlie wasn’t lying, she did love them, in a way, but this was not the same kind of love that she felt for the flowers she found herself, because for her, the love was in the adventure of finding.”
““Are you still going to throw me over your shoulder when I’m seventy-two and you’re a hundred and thirty-four?””
“Charlie loved being nearby when Mother first walked out in the mornings, because Father would always stop whatever he was doing. Reading, writing, drinking coffee, it didn’t matter. He would look at Mother like he had never seen someone so beautiful before, like he didn’t expect it, like he had forgotten what she looked like by the time morning came around, and like there was nothing that would stop him from holding that beautiful lady at that moment.”
“Charlie had been a child her whole life, so she didn’t know what it felt like to not be child anymore, but she knew it would happen at some point. Her heart raced a little because she felt like in some small way, this step would be her last step as a child. And so, she stepped.”
““Yeah, I was just remembering something.” “A good something, or a bad something?” “A good something. But good somethings can feel the saddest sometimes.””
I’d love to quote the end of the book too, but that would give too much away. So you’ll just have to find that out yourself 😉
A huge thank you to the author for giving me a free copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
4.5/5 ⭐️
This charming story follows Charlie, a home schooled, possibly neurodivergent, wild young girl and her free, adventurous spirit. Many additional characters take part in her wild escapades including her family, a friend, a bear, and one of my favorites - Scott the Horse, that help shape Charlie, her view of the world, and how events unfold. She ventures on a wild journey to save her dad after he doesn’t return home — and bravery, inner trust, and a little bit of magic carry them home.
I really enjoyed Charlie as our protagonist. I feel she is extremely relatable, I loved the neurodivergency representation*, and she reminded me so much of a cherished character of my own childhood, Junie B. Jones. Not only did it feel nostalgic, I felt pieces of my own niece and nephew reflected amongst the pages and it gave me new appreciation for their own free spirits.
“Charlie and the Missing Father” was a cozy, heartwarming, and heartfelt read that made me smile from ear to ear, laugh out loud, and cry in less than 200 pages. It tells a beautiful tale of self-discovery, the importance of family, and the magic in love and risking everything for those who would do the same for you. As someone approaching 30, I was invested in this much more than I thought I would be and cannot wait to share and talk about it with my niece and nephew.
I only docked half a star because I wish some aspects of the story were a bit more fleshed out; I would love to have more details because I cherish these characters so much already, but I thoroughly enjoyed every moment I did read.
For the smaller and more empathetic readers I feel it is important to share that this story does have a happy ending but it does cover some difficult topics regarding familial trauma. It touches on it in a very delicate and mindful way, but might still prompt discussion and conversations with smaller readers about the differences and struggles families can have and face.
*Note: The neurodivergency rep is never explicitly stated or explained and is fully an assumption on my part having worked with hundreds of kids, and having a nephew on the spectrum. I felt the insight into how kids with different ways of thinking might process key events or average day to day activities was really special and something a lot of kids don’t get to see or relate to in most middle-grade books.
Quotes:
“…stories appeared in her head without invitation.”
“She enjoyed doing many things, and for some reason her brain often told her to do the next thing before she finished the current thing. Charlie liked to listen to her brain.”
“Charlie wasn’t lying, she did love them, in a way, but this was not the same kind of love that she felt for the flowers she found herself, because for her, the love was in the adventure of finding.”
““Are you still going to throw me over your shoulder when I’m seventy-two and you’re a hundred and thirty-four?””
“Charlie loved being nearby when Mother first walked out in the mornings, because Father would always stop whatever he was doing. Reading, writing, drinking coffee, it didn’t matter. He would look at Mother like he had never seen someone so beautiful before, like he didn’t expect it, like he had forgotten what she looked like by the time morning came around, and like there was nothing that would stop him from holding that beautiful lady at that moment.”
“Charlie had been a child her whole life, so she didn’t know what it felt like to not be child anymore, but she knew it would happen at some point. Her heart raced a little because she felt like in some small way, this step would be her last step as a child. And so, she stepped.”
““Yeah, I was just remembering something.” “A good something, or a bad something?” “A good something. But good somethings can feel the saddest sometimes.””
I’d love to quote the end of the book too, but that would give too much away. So you’ll just have to find that out yourself 😉
A huge thank you to the author for giving me a free copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
August 2, 2026
Oh, my sweet Charlie—how I wish I still had your optimism!
As someone who’s nowhere near being a child anymore, I cannot express the amount of nostalgia and childish glee I felt while reading this. I was given the wonderful opportunity to read this book by the author, and because of the Tom Sawyer vibes, I was immediately hooked. After the first few pages, I actually stopped, went to grab my little ones, and started reading it to them—and I was pleasantly surprised to find that they were just as hooked as I was.
From the amazing, quest-ensuing adventures told from the perspective of an extremely optimistic 10-year-old, I loved the way the author incorporated so much childlike wonder and logic into every aspect of the story without ever making it feel like a book that was only meant for children.
Charlie’s narration, her short attention span, and the way her imagination runs absolutely rampant were some of my favorite parts. I also loved that the adults around her never tried to make her less than who she is. Instead, they encouraged her curiosity and adventurous nature, which was so heartwarming and fun to read—especially as my own children asked questions and made comments in the same manner Charlie did while we were reading.
This was such a wonderful read, and an absolute must-have for my shelf. 💕
As someone who’s nowhere near being a child anymore, I cannot express the amount of nostalgia and childish glee I felt while reading this. I was given the wonderful opportunity to read this book by the author, and because of the Tom Sawyer vibes, I was immediately hooked. After the first few pages, I actually stopped, went to grab my little ones, and started reading it to them—and I was pleasantly surprised to find that they were just as hooked as I was.
From the amazing, quest-ensuing adventures told from the perspective of an extremely optimistic 10-year-old, I loved the way the author incorporated so much childlike wonder and logic into every aspect of the story without ever making it feel like a book that was only meant for children.
Charlie’s narration, her short attention span, and the way her imagination runs absolutely rampant were some of my favorite parts. I also loved that the adults around her never tried to make her less than who she is. Instead, they encouraged her curiosity and adventurous nature, which was so heartwarming and fun to read—especially as my own children asked questions and made comments in the same manner Charlie did while we were reading.
This was such a wonderful read, and an absolute must-have for my shelf. 💕
June 19, 2026
I received an advanced reader copy of the audiobook. This is my honest opinion.
I adored Charlie and the Missing Father. In a short book, Carson Hughes manages to create characters that feel distinct, lovable, and memorable. By the time I reached the final page, I found myself desperately wishing the story had been twice as long so I could spend more time with each of them and continue exploring their world.
A special mention goes to Scott the horse and boots as shoes - because I laughed out loud.
The entire time I was listening, I kept thinking about how much I was enjoying it, yet it never went quite where I expected. Every time I thought I had figured out what was coming next, the story surprised me. That carried all the way through to the very last moment of the story.
This is a charming, funny, heartfelt adventure. My only complaint is that it ended too soon. I would happily read/listen to another hundred pages.
I adored Charlie and the Missing Father. In a short book, Carson Hughes manages to create characters that feel distinct, lovable, and memorable. By the time I reached the final page, I found myself desperately wishing the story had been twice as long so I could spend more time with each of them and continue exploring their world.
A special mention goes to Scott the horse and boots as shoes - because I laughed out loud.
The entire time I was listening, I kept thinking about how much I was enjoying it, yet it never went quite where I expected. Every time I thought I had figured out what was coming next, the story surprised me. That carried all the way through to the very last moment of the story.
This is a charming, funny, heartfelt adventure. My only complaint is that it ended too soon. I would happily read/listen to another hundred pages.
July 1, 2026
I was very pleasantly surprised by this book. It quickly became a family favorite in my household. Although it is a children’s book, Charlie’s adventures through the woods hit so many memories of my own childhood that I found I truly enjoyed it as well. Even though the story is about Charlie, a 10 yr old girl and her quest to find her lost father in the woods, my own 6 yr old daughter absolutely loved reading this with me. I asked her what her thoughts were after every reading session and she would mention things like “I like Scott the horse”, “I know about nature too”, and “Charlie and Lew are so brave!.” Those comments sealed the deal for me.
Overall, the story has wonderful adventure, life lessons, impacting friendships, and a tale of family love and devotion that will keep you coming back chapter after chapter.
I highly recommend this book for any mixed age families, summer reading lists, and even adults- particularly if you grew up in a country lifestyle.
Overall, the story has wonderful adventure, life lessons, impacting friendships, and a tale of family love and devotion that will keep you coming back chapter after chapter.
I highly recommend this book for any mixed age families, summer reading lists, and even adults- particularly if you grew up in a country lifestyle.
July 6, 2026
Recommended. This gentle, wholesome coming-of-age story offers warmth, adventure, and genuine emotional depth.
Charlie is a creative 10-year-old who wants more independence. When her father disappears, she and her friend Lew set out to find him. The story blends mystery and adventure with loving family relationships, age-appropriate boundaries, and beautiful language.
It would make a lovely family audiobook, read-aloud, homeschool choice, or classroom story. It also invites natural conversations about courage, responsibility, kindness, fear, family, and growing up.
Content note: One scene includes an injured small bird, along with Charlie’s fear that her father may be hurt or worse. Sensitive children may need support, though the scene could be skipped during a read-aloud without creating a major gap.
Bottom line: Tender, thoughtful, and family-friendly, this is a sweet audiobook parents can feel good about sharing.
Charlie is a creative 10-year-old who wants more independence. When her father disappears, she and her friend Lew set out to find him. The story blends mystery and adventure with loving family relationships, age-appropriate boundaries, and beautiful language.
It would make a lovely family audiobook, read-aloud, homeschool choice, or classroom story. It also invites natural conversations about courage, responsibility, kindness, fear, family, and growing up.
Content note: One scene includes an injured small bird, along with Charlie’s fear that her father may be hurt or worse. Sensitive children may need support, though the scene could be skipped during a read-aloud without creating a major gap.
Bottom line: Tender, thoughtful, and family-friendly, this is a sweet audiobook parents can feel good about sharing.
June 19, 2026
I really enjoyed reading Charlie and the Missing Father by Carson Hughes. It was an exciting and emotional story that kept me interested the whole way through. The book is about Charlie, who goes on a journey to find out what happened to her missing father. Along the way, she faces challenges, learns important lessons, and discovers things about herself.
My favourite part of the book was how brave Charlie was. Even when things were difficult or scary, she kept going and never gave up.
The characters felt realistic, and I could understand how Charlie was feeling at different points in the story. The book also shows how important family, friendship, and determination are.
I would recommend this book to readers around my age (12) who enjoy mysteries, adventures, and stories about family.
Charlie and the Missing Father was exciting, emotional, and hard to put down.
My favourite part of the book was how brave Charlie was. Even when things were difficult or scary, she kept going and never gave up.
The characters felt realistic, and I could understand how Charlie was feeling at different points in the story. The book also shows how important family, friendship, and determination are.
I would recommend this book to readers around my age (12) who enjoy mysteries, adventures, and stories about family.
Charlie and the Missing Father was exciting, emotional, and hard to put down.
June 25, 2026
I read this book with my two teens and 7 year old, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who has kids and would like to share a story together. Also, anyone who is a child at heart would enjoy this book.
This was such a fun and heartwarming adventure that brought mystery, imagination, and family together. I loved getting to know the characters and watching the story unfold. It kept all of us interested, and my kids enjoyed talking about the adventure and what might happen next.
I really enjoyed the themes of courage, family, and determination throughout the story. It’s the kind of book that reminds you how special it is to get lost in a good story, no matter your age.
This would make a wonderful family read and a great addition to any kid’s or adult’s bookshelf
This was such a fun and heartwarming adventure that brought mystery, imagination, and family together. I loved getting to know the characters and watching the story unfold. It kept all of us interested, and my kids enjoyed talking about the adventure and what might happen next.
I really enjoyed the themes of courage, family, and determination throughout the story. It’s the kind of book that reminds you how special it is to get lost in a good story, no matter your age.
This would make a wonderful family read and a great addition to any kid’s or adult’s bookshelf
June 30, 2026
This book was such a sweet story full of mystery, adventure, and friendship. Without giving anything away, it really does a great job of showing how different personalities can come together to create one loving and tight knit family.
I loved reading this together with my ten year old! We discussed the story throughout and had a little mini book club together . After we finished the story, I asked her thoughts and she said she really enjoyed the book and would have liked even more detail. She also said she hopes there will be a book two of Charlie’s adventures!
We feel this would be appropriate for a reader as young as eight, possibly even younger if you have an advanced reader. Highly recommend if you are looking for a family book!
I loved reading this together with my ten year old! We discussed the story throughout and had a little mini book club together . After we finished the story, I asked her thoughts and she said she really enjoyed the book and would have liked even more detail. She also said she hopes there will be a book two of Charlie’s adventures!
We feel this would be appropriate for a reader as young as eight, possibly even younger if you have an advanced reader. Highly recommend if you are looking for a family book!
June 9, 2026
Charlie and the Missing Father by Carson Hughes was such a nostalgic read for me. Charlie's love of adventure and the outdoors reminded me so much of my own childhood spent exploring and making memories with my grandparents.
As Charlie sets off to find her father, she embarks on a wonderful coming-of-age journey, making new friends and discovering just how capable she really is.
A wholesome, heartwarming adventure filled with friendship, courage, and outdoor wisdom. Perfect for young readers and families to enjoy together. 📚✨
#BookReview #ChildrensBooks #BookTok #WhatMrsDobbsReads #FiveStarRead
As Charlie sets off to find her father, she embarks on a wonderful coming-of-age journey, making new friends and discovering just how capable she really is.
A wholesome, heartwarming adventure filled with friendship, courage, and outdoor wisdom. Perfect for young readers and families to enjoy together. 📚✨
#BookReview #ChildrensBooks #BookTok #WhatMrsDobbsReads #FiveStarRead
June 19, 2026
Special thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this ARC. While the book is obviously written for 8-12 year olds I thoroughly enjoyed it. It reminded me (fondly) of My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George. The story follows Charlie and her quest for more independence while showcasing her intelligence and resilience. I think my favorite part was Charlie’s ADHD brain and how her family loved and accepted her just the way she was. The ending was so special and I would love a sequel! I will be recommending this book to all my friends with grade school age children. It’s perfect.
June 29, 2026
A wonderful children's fantasy that's both exciting, and endearing.The characters were delightful and relatable, with the story line being the perfect mix of interesting and informative that can keep young and adult readers alike engaged.
The vibe was almost Junie B Jones meets Magic Treehouse, but somehow even more wholesome. As a homeschooling mom, it really captures and embodies the innocence, independence, and freedom of childhood that we strive for our children to have. A timeless type of tale that every homeschooled family or independent young hero should have on their bookshelf. My kids and I can't wait for more Charlie adventures.
The vibe was almost Junie B Jones meets Magic Treehouse, but somehow even more wholesome. As a homeschooling mom, it really captures and embodies the innocence, independence, and freedom of childhood that we strive for our children to have. A timeless type of tale that every homeschooled family or independent young hero should have on their bookshelf. My kids and I can't wait for more Charlie adventures.
June 20, 2026
Thank you to the author for sending me the arc to read.
I loved it. It was a coming of age adventure. 10 year old Charlie goes on a trip to find her missing father.
It was very cute and oddly nostalgic. It gave me the same feeling I used to get when I read the book Madeline when I was a kid. It wasn’t really the same at all but it has the same vibe if that makes sense. Madeline was my favorite book as a kid. So it was really great to experience that feeling again.
A very cute little story that is perfect for young minds looking to read about an adventure.
I loved it. It was a coming of age adventure. 10 year old Charlie goes on a trip to find her missing father.
It was very cute and oddly nostalgic. It gave me the same feeling I used to get when I read the book Madeline when I was a kid. It wasn’t really the same at all but it has the same vibe if that makes sense. Madeline was my favorite book as a kid. So it was really great to experience that feeling again.
A very cute little story that is perfect for young minds looking to read about an adventure.
June 29, 2026
A tale of a 10 year old girls adventures
Family
Mystery
Great audiobook
I listened first to see if it was appropriate and while there is a couple scenes that sparked a meaningful conversation between me and my daughter who's always taking side quests in any of our nightly reads, I say this book is definitely age appropriate for her at 8 years old and I enjoyed it myself at my old age!
I did receive this as an arc but I only give my honest review. I see there is illustrations in the physical copy that are going to be sure grab anyone's attention!
Family
Mystery
Great audiobook
I listened first to see if it was appropriate and while there is a couple scenes that sparked a meaningful conversation between me and my daughter who's always taking side quests in any of our nightly reads, I say this book is definitely age appropriate for her at 8 years old and I enjoyed it myself at my old age!
I did receive this as an arc but I only give my honest review. I see there is illustrations in the physical copy that are going to be sure grab anyone's attention!
July 1, 2026
This was a thoroughly enjoyable children’s adventure story! Definitely one I would have loved when younger and one I still loved as an adult. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator had a wonderful voice which made the book extra engaging. He is someone who I would love to listen to narrate more things! I loved that there was no trace of accent for Charlie, while Lou sounded English, and this felt like it could have been set anywhere in the world (yes even with the bear!) It was a little timeless and magical in that regard.
June 9, 2026
Received advance listener copy from author
Thank you to the author for this advanced copy free in exchange for my honest review.
This is such a cute story. Appropriate for all ages but probably popular among middle grades. Growing up I was a huge fan of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, this story reminds me a lot of that. A story of Charlie’s adventurous spirit and a journey of self growth as she searches for her father and finds a friend along the way.
Thank you to the author for this advanced copy free in exchange for my honest review.
This is such a cute story. Appropriate for all ages but probably popular among middle grades. Growing up I was a huge fan of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, this story reminds me a lot of that. A story of Charlie’s adventurous spirit and a journey of self growth as she searches for her father and finds a friend along the way.
June 26, 2026
This book takes you on a journey with young child Charlie and her family. This is such a cute read and appropriate to read and discuss with all ages. It reiterates imagination, pushing boundaries, creativity, and the closeness and perspective parents might have on different circumstances. I giggled through parts!
Thank you Carson Hughes for providing me the e-link in exchange for an honest review. It was not what I expected and an enjoyable family read.
Thank you Carson Hughes for providing me the e-link in exchange for an honest review. It was not what I expected and an enjoyable family read.
August 11, 2026
This was the sweetest book I have read in a long time! It tugs at your heart strings and takes you on an adventure with a little girl named Charlie who goes looking for her missing father after he goes for a hike and hasn’t returned home yet. Along the way she meets Lew who helps her and they quickly become great friends. Charlie has a vast knowledge of survival in the forest and Lew knows how to swim and together they embark on the adventure they never expected to take.
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