The Missing Piece of Charlie O'Reilly

“As puzzle pieces click into place, The Missing Piece of Charlie O’Reilly reveals that it’s stories—and family—that make us whole. A deeply satisfying and beautiful book.” —Elana K. Arnold, National Book Award finalist and author of The Question of Miracles

Charlie O’Reilly is an only child. Which is why it makes everyone uncomfortable when he talks about his brother.

Liam. His eight-year-old kid brother, who, up until a year ago, slept in the bunk above Charlie, took pride in being as annoying as possible, and was the only person who could make Charlie laugh until it hurt.

Then came the morning when the bunk, and Liam, disappeared forever. No one even remembers him—not Charlie’s mother, who has been lost in her own troubles; and not Charlie’s father, who is gone frequently on business trips. The only person who believes Charlie is his best friend, Ana—even if she has no memory of Liam, she is as determined as Charlie is to figure out what happened to him.

The search seems hopeless—until Charlie receives a mysterious note, written in Liam’s handwriting. The note leads Charlie and Ana to make some profound discoveries about a magic they didn't know existed, and they soon realize that if they're going to save Liam, they may need to risk being forgotten themselves, forever.

Rebecca K.S. Ansari’s debut novel is a stunning contemporary fantasy about love, loss, and the power to forgive that we all have inside us—even if we sometimes forget that it’s there.

What if the only way to save your brother was to risk being forgotten yourself?

• A Missing Brother: Charlie O’Reilly knows he has a little brother named Liam. The problem is, no one else remembers him—not his mother, not his father, not anyone.
• A Best Friend Adventure: Only his best friend, Ana, believes him. Together, they follow a mysterious note that pulls them into a world of hidden magic and profound family secrets.
• Heartfelt Middle Grade Fantasy: A poignant story that explores grief, loss, and the powerful, unspoken struggles that can affect a family, blending real-world problems with a touch of the extraordinary.
• Perfect for Young Readers: An ideal book for kids ages 8-12 who love a fast-paced mystery with deep emotional stakes and unforgettable characters.

“This gripping debut delivers a powerful message.” - ALA Booklist

“Readers will bite their nails and cheer for Charlie and his friends every step of the way. A nuanced villain adds depth and complexity to the story, and plot turns abound, both delightful and heartbreaking. An original premise, tear-jerker twists, and a touching message about forgiveness.” - School Library Journal (starred review)

“Ansari trusts her audience with a complex narrative that traverses the breadth of time and the depths of self. The weave of guilt, family struggle, and forgiveness both complicates and complements questions of love and self-acceptance. Plot twists that’ll turn even veteran readers’ heads” - Kirkus Reviews

“As puzzle pieces click into place, The Missing Piece of Charlie O’Reilly reveals that it’s stories—and family—that make us whole. A deeply satisfying and beautiful book.” - Elana K. Arnold, National Book Award finalist and author of The Question of Miracles

“This is a rich, unique, heart-wrenching book, crammed with layers of meaning and mystery.” - Jacqueline West, New York Times bestselling author of The Collectors