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Interviews | July 4, 2009

Jill Owens: IMG Powells.com Interview: Luis Alberto Urrea



luisalbertourreaLuis Alberto Urrea is a poet, novelist, journalist, and essayist who has been writing about the relationship between the United States and Mexico,... Continue »
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25 Local Warehouse Children's Young Adult- Social Issue Fiction- General
25 Remote Warehouse Children's Young Adult- Social Issue Fiction- Death and Dying


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.

Review:

“Warm and moving, it is an evocative picture of the weblike nature of human existence and the interconnectedness of seemingly disparate experiences.”School Library Journal

Review:

“Shafer’s narrative is heartfelt, earnest and moving. . . and conveys the power of memory to help heal wounds.”-Kirkus Reviews

From the Trade Paperback edition.

Synopsis:

When his Vietnam veteran uncle dies of a heart attack, 12-year-old Gabe tells no one because he fears that he will once again become a foster child. The next day he discovers a strange note in his mailbox: "I have a secret. Do not be afraid."When his Vietnam veteran uncle dies of a heart attack, 12-year-old Gabe tells no one because he fears that he will once again become a foster child. The next day he discovers a strange note in his mailbox: "I have a secret. Do not be afraid."

About the Author

Audrey Shafer lives in California and works as an anesthesiologist at a Veterans Hospital. The author lives in Mountain View, CA.

What Our Readers Are Saying

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Average customer rating based on 1 comment:
susie.ross, February 8, 2009 (view all comments by susie.ross)
I read this book since it is on the Virginia's Reader's Choice list for middle school. I was sucked in at the beginning and finished it in that sitting. I was crying long before the end of the book. I live in Roanoke, Virginia, and for our students to have a book that mentioned their town, and places that they kno--I can't even begin to tell you what an impact that has made. I share the title with everyone that I know, young and old. The students are telling all of their friends about the book, and it is constantly off the shelf in the library. In fact, I had to buy it so that I could read it. Very MOVING--for any audience. My husband who works with veterans every day at the Salem VA Hospital is reading it now.

How did Ms. Shafer, ever find this area of the country for her setting?
Was this comment helpful? | Yes | No
(2 of 5 readers found this comment helpful)

Product Details

ISBN:
9780385733441
Author:
Shafer, Audrey
Publisher:
Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers
Author:
Audrey Shafer
Subject:
Foster home care
Subject:
Family - Orphans & Foster Homes
Subject:
Uncles
Subject:
Social Issues - General
Publication Date:
October 2006
Binding:
Hardcover
Language:
English
Pages:
178
Dimensions:
8.42x5.82x.74 in. .73 lbs.
Age Level:
08-12

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