Catch You Later, Traitor - by Avi (Paperback)

About the Book

Twelve-year-old Pete Collison is a regular kid in Brooklyn, who loves baseball, radio crime dramas, and detective books. He finds himself in a real-life mystery when an FBI agent accuses his father of being a Communist.

Book Synopsis

From Newbery Medalist Avi comes the thrilling and suspenseful story of an ordinary American family that falls under suspicion in 1950s New York. When twelve-year-old Pete Collison is labeled a communist by his teacher, he sets out to discover the truth about his family.

Review Quotes

"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