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3.62 AVERAGE
3.62 AVERAGE
A great premise and a lot of promise but the writing was uneven at times and I am not sure who the intended audience was. I was driven to complete it though to see what happened.
Interesting story that revolves around a mystery man who takes care of a boy from afar after the boy's guardian uncle dies. Who is this man? What is his connection to Gabe's uncle? How long can Gabe keep up his lies and stay out of the foster care system? While finding the answers to some of these questions, Gabe finds out the truth about his uncle's past, and he learns that he is not as alone as he thinks he is. A thought-provoking story that references the Vietnam War.
Loved this book about a boy who arrives home from school one day to find his guardian and uncle dead on the floor. A story about Vietnam vets, and family relationships.
A little hard to believe but the author draws the reader into the story in a startling way.
This book was way better than I thought it would be! It was very emotional and I really enjoyed reading it.
Well, I liked it, but I didn't. It was hard to believe the character was 12. I felt like he (and the other characters) were more elementary than middle school. I also had issues with the plot (as usual for ya books). I think that there were parts that were too far-fetched.
A book full of wonderfully, believable characters. I can't wait for more works from Audrey Shafer.
Gabe, a twelve-year-old too familiar with the foster care system came to live with his reclusive uncle when he was ten. Since then, he's managed to make friends and is relieved to be permanently settled. His uncle, while crabby, gruff and old-fashioned, has a good heart and cares for Gabe. When Gabe comes home from the first day of middle school, he finds his uncle dead. Gabe is stunned and afraid of what will happen if anyone finds out his uncle is dead. In his grief and shock he decides to put off dealing with his uncle's body until he can think more clearly. Irrationally, he goes to school the next day. When he returns home, he finds a note in the mailbox and discovers that his uncle's body is missing. The note is reassuring and Gabe thinks he might just have a fairy godmother looking out for him. Gabe stays alone in the house and the notes continue to appear in the mailbox. Gabe manages to fend for himself and take care of the house...for awhile. I thought this book started off fairly promising but I was a little disappointed in its ending. The story seemed to get too preachy and moralistic! Why do these award nominee committees always go for the story with a moral and neat, pert happy ending? Is this what kids really want to read? I can see why an adult might enjoy it but I think it would be a harder sell to young adults.