Shafer, Audrey. The mailbox.

SHAFER, Audrey. The mailbox. Read by Nick Landrum. 5 cds. 5.5 hrs. Recorded Books. 2006/2007 1-4281-4629-7 $74.75. Vinyl; plot notes. J

Long a foster child, 12-year-old Gabe has found a home with his Uncle Vernon for the past few years. Uncle Vernon is a crusty, cussing Vietnam vet with a missing foot, but with a lot of love in his heart for his nephew, and he made the best home he could. On the first day of school, Gabe comes home to find his uncle dead. Heartbroken, Gabe doesn't know what to do, so he does nothing. The following day when he comes home from school, the body is gone and a series of notes left in the mailbox begins a strange friendship with an unseen person who cares for him. Gabe lives on his own, muddling along. Moving slowly through his experiences at school with caring teachers, his friend Webber, nothing much happens until many weeks later when his uncle's body is discovered. All turns out well for Gabe in the end. Landrum's careful diction will give listeners an easy time keeping up with the narrative; his voices for Uncle Vernon and assorted characters are welcome additions and well done. Mary Purucker, Beverly Hills PL, Beverly Hills, CA,

J--Recommended for junior high students. The contents are of particular interest to young adolescents and their teachers.