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.

“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

“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.

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."

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."