The Mailbox

Author: Audrey Shafer

Book Summary: In The Mailbox, Gabe Pace comes home on his first day of 6th grade to find his Uncle Vernon dead on the floor. Afraid of being sent back to foster care, Gabe does nothing. He goes to school the next day as if nothing has happened, but when he returns home he finds Uncle Vernon's body is gone and a note in the mailbox that says: "I have a secret. Do not be afraid." Next, the mystery letter writer leaves Gabe a dog, named Guppy, a bag of dog food, and another note that says, "I want to help you." In the days that follow, Gabe finds that he can manage pretty well on his own. He takes care of the house, the dog, and gets himself to school. No one suspects a thing. That is, until Uncle Vernon's body is discovered.

Book Review: The Mailbox is a captivating story of survival and mystery. The truth is revealed a little at a time and the story comes to a satisfying end. Some parents may be uncomfortable with the way the Gabe finds his grandfather and that he sleeps next to his grandfather's body the first night. Watered down depictions of  violence during the Vietnam War may concern some parents, as well. Overall, the story is told with realism, but also with thoughtfulness. Nothing in the book is too harsh for readers 12 years and up.

Interest Level: Grades 6 - 8
AR Level: 5.0 (worth 6 pts.)
Lexile Level: 790

Profanity:
None

Potentially Inappropriate References:
"His nuts were cut off." Janet defines what makes a horse a gelding.


Potentially Inappropriate Behavior:
A veteran recounts a story of another soldier who shot an armed Vietnamese boy during the Vietnam War.
Two people imply a veteran shot himself in the head, possibly trying to kill himself.
Lying

Parental Concern Rating: 2 out of 5