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Abbott, Tony The Postcard 359 pp. Little ISBN 978-0-316-01172-3 $15.99
(4) Before his grandmother's funeral, Jason finds a postcard whose clues lead him to chapters of a pulp mystery stashed at local Florida landmarks. The mystery's similarities to his grandmother's life make Jason believe he's tracking his unknown grandfather. Too many of the book's outlandish characters are unbelievable, leaving the madcap story only barely cohesive, but the action thrives at a breakneck pace. ALB
Abrahams, Peter Into the Dark 300 pp. HarperCollins/Geringer ISBN 978-0-06-073708-5 $16.99 LE ISBN 978-0-06-073709-2 $17.89
(4) Echo Falls series. Ingrid's grandfather is the prime suspect in a murder, but the curmudgeonly WWII hero refuses to provide an alibi. In between rehearsals for Hansel and Gretel, thirteen-year-old Ingrid does some investigating of her own. Abrahams expands on subplots introduced in earlier books (e.g., Ingrid's friendship/relationship with Joey; her dad's extramarital affair), but this book's mystery isn't nearly as engaging. TDA
Adler, David A. Don't Talk to Me About the War 216 pp. Viking ISBN 978-0-670-06307-9 $15.99
(4) Tommy would rather talk about baseball than the war in Europe, but he is pulled into world affairs after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Tommy is a sympathetic hero, but supporting characters and some plot threads are thin. Still, readers who like easy historical fiction or are looking for a sad, but not too sad, story should find this an approachable read. MVK
Alma, Ann Brave Deeds: How One Family Saved Many from the Nazis 95 pp. Groundwood ISBN 978-0-88899-791-3 $17.95
(4) This book recounts the efforts of the Braal family to protect Dutch Resistance members, Jews, a downed Canadian airman, and displaced children. The prose is direct (if fairly lifeless), as a fictional young narrator recalls the last cold, hungry months of the war. Alma reinforces the tale with historical notes and compelling photographs from the Braal family archive. Reading list. Glos. MLI
* Almond, David My Dad's a Birdman 121 pp. Candlewick ISBN 978-0-7636-3667-8 $15.99
(2) Illustrated by Polly Dunbar. Lizzie's dad claims he's going to fly. Together he and Lizzie construct gorgeous wings, build a nest in the kitchen, and fend off earthbound Auntie Doreen. When they compete in the Great Human Bird Competition, they share an ecstatic experience. Connections between flying...