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School Library Journal
Starred Review on March 1, 2015 | Grades 5-8
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...Log In or Sign Up to Read More
Horn Book Magazine
Reviewed on March 1, 2015
"Hey, Pete, that true about your parents?" Big Toby's question refers to their seventh-grade teacher's assertion that Pete Collison's father is a Communist, and that all good Americans -- kids included -- have the "patriotic duty to make sure reds, Commie symps, fellow travelers, and pinkos, un-Americans, don't infiltrate our lives." All of a sudden, classmates won't let Pete play punchball at recess, his friend Kat avoids him,...Log In or Sign Up to Read More
Horn Book Guide
Reviewed on January 1, 2015
In 1951 Brooklyn, the FBI is investigating seventh grader Pete Collison's father's past association with the Communist Party. When Mr. C...Log In or Sign Up to Read More
Junior Library Guild
Reviewed on April 1, 2015
A coming-of-age tale with a mystery at its core, this is a fast-paced read thanks to short chapters and many surprising plot turns. Pete is a likable protagonist, and it is easy to identify with his struggles, even though the book takes place in 1951. For example, Pete must deal with rumors, bullies, a mean older brother, and a vindictive teacher; and his best friend, Kat, is sent away to boarding school. A vivid and often humorous narrative, especially when Pete incorporates his love of noir detective stories into his descriptions. Talking about his dad,...Log In or Sign Up to Read More
Junior Library Guild
Reviewed on April 1, 2015
A coming-of-age tale with a mystery at its core, this is a fast-paced read thanks to short chapters and many surprising plot turns. Pete is a likable protagonist, and it is easy to identify with his struggles, even though the book takes place in 1951. For example, Pete must deal with rumors, bullies, a mean older brother, and a vindictive teacher; and his best friend, Kat, is sent away to boarding school. A vivid and often humorous narrative, especially when Pete incorporates his love of noir detective stories into his descriptions. Talking about his dad,...Log In or Sign Up to Read More
