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Original Essays | December 12, 2009

Alexander McCall Smith: IMG The Courage of Others



I have recently written a novel about life in England during the Second World War. I felt some concern before I tackled this theme — the War... Continue »
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    La's Orchestra Saves the World

    Alexander McCall Smith

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1 Burnside Children's Middle Readers- General
25 Local Warehouse Children's Young Adult- Social Issue Fiction- General

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The Mailbox

by Audrey Shafer

The Mailbox Cover

Synopses & Reviews

Publisher Comments:

Vernon Culligan had been dead to the town of Draydon, Virginia, so long that when the crusty Vietnam vet finally died, only one person noticed. Twelve-year-old Gabe grew up in the foster care system until a social worker located his Uncle Vernon two years before. When he comes home to discover that his uncle has died of a heart attack, he's terrifed of going back into the system--so he tells no one. The next day, he discovers a strange note in his mailbox: I HAVE A SECRET. DO NOT BE AFRAID. And his uncle's body is gone.

Thus begins a unique correspondence destined to save the two people that depended on Vernon for everything. Through flashbacks, we learn about Gabe and Vernon's relationship, and how finding each other saved them both from lives of suffering. But eventually, Vernon's death will be discovered, and how will Gabe and the mystery note writer learn to move forward? THE MAILBOX is not a story about death--though it begins with a death. It's also not a story about Vietnam vets, although the author works with Vietnam veterans and wrote this novel, in part, to illuminate their sacrifices and suffering. THE MAILBOX is a story about connections--about how two people in need can save each other.

From the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

ISBN:
9780440421344
Author:
Shafer, Audrey
Publisher:
Yearling Books
Author:
Audrey Shafer
Subject:
Family - Orphans & Foster Homes
Subject:
Social Issues - General
Subject:
Uncles
Subject:
Foster home care
Publication Date:
August 2008
Binding:
Paperback
Language:
English
Pages:
178
Dimensions:
7.58x5.18x.50 in. .29 lbs.
Age Level:
08-12

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