Catch You Later, Traitor

Set in 1951 Brooklyn, Newbery Medalist Avi's (Crispin: The Cross of Lead) suspenseful novel shows how seventh-grader Pete Collison deals with persecution and paranoia as he searches for answers about his family's history. It all starts when rumors, initiated by Pete's teacher, fly about Pete's father's affiliation with the Communist Party. Pete stands up for his father, but his classmates turn against him, his best friend's parents won't let her speak to Pete, and an FBI agent seems to be watching his every move. Deciding to find out the truth about his father and the informant who turned him in, Pete follows the methods of his favorite gumshoe, Sam Spade, but the clues Pete uncovers are more confusing than enlightening, and the discoveries he makes about certain relatives could hurt his father's cause. Authentic period details--such as popular radio programs and the ongoing rivalry between the Dodgers and the Giants--add a colorful backdrop to Pete's quest as he navigates the murky gray area between truth and fiction. An excellent introduction to the frenzy of the McCarthy era. Ages 8-12. Agent: Gail Hochman, Brandt & Hochman. (Mar.)

Copyright 2015 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 4-6--Pete Collison's dad is a commie sympathizer: that's the accusation Pete's teacher makes in front of his entire seventh grade class. It's 1951 Brooklyn, during the height of the Red Scare, so Pete is instantly shunned at school, his best friend avoids him, and the only person who wants to talk to him is an FBI agent. Unsure of whom to trust, Pete decides to emulate his detective hero Sam Spade. He will investigate his father's past--could his dad really be a communist?--and find out who reported his family to the FBI. Avi, a master of historical fiction, vividly recreates not only the neighborhoods and pop culture of period Brooklyn, but the runaway paranoia that dominated daily life in the early years of the Cold War. With each clue Pete uncovers, the tension picks up, engaging readers in solving the dual mystery of his father's past and identifying his accuser whose name is kept a well-concealed surprise until the last moment. In clever digressions, detective Pete mentally rewrites mundane observations with hard-boiled hyperbole. He describes the sunlight in his bedroom: "It didn't promise much and left early." Strong supporting characters add subtle but important details about a period in American history that may not be fully studied in classrooms. Insightful readers will pick up on warnings about the abuse of government power. VERDICT As a mystery, historical fiction, and love letter to 1950s Brooklyn, this novel succeeds on every level.--Marybeth Kozikowski, Sachem Public Library, Holbrook, NY

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"Avi, a master of historical fiction, vividly recreates not only the neighborhoods and pop culture of period Brooklyn, but the runaway paranoia that dominated daily life in the early years of the Cold War. With each clue Pete uncovers, the tension picks up, engaging readers in solving the dual mystery of his father's past and identifying his accuser whose name is kept a well-concealed surprise until the last moment . . . As a mystery, historical fiction, and love letter to 1950s Brooklyn, this novel succeeds on every level." —School Library Journal, starred review

"Suspenseful . . . Authentic period details—such as popular radio programs and the ongoing rivalry between the Dodgers and the Giants—add a colorful backdrop to Pete's quest as he navigates the murky gray area between truth and fiction. An excellent introduction to the frenzy of the McCarthy era." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Avi's tale of one Brooklyn family living in a time of intolerance effectively explores the natures of suspicion, loyalty, and freedom, following a young protagonist who comes to learn the importance of freedom of speech and 'staying true to your own thoughts.'" —The Horn Book Magazine

"An involving, twisty mystery, grounded by the palpable emotional threat of Pete's father being taken away. An accomplished historical mystery by one of kid lit's most reliable craftspeople." —Booklist

"A thought-provoking story about suspicion, trust and a memorable pennant race from a one-time Brooklyn boy." —Kirkus Reviews