The Avion My Uncle Flew

This Newbery Honor chapter book follows Johnny Littlehorn, an American boy from a Wyoming ranch, who is less than thrilled to spend his summer in a small French town after WWII. His initial boredom quickly turns to thrilling adventure when he discovers a pistol and uncovers a plot involving a Nazi spy and buried treasure. As Johnny navigates this mystery with the help of his French uncle and new friends, he also learns French phrases and overcomes his own physical challenges. It's a blend of historical fiction, mystery, and cultural immersion, perfect for engaging young readers in a lively, suspenseful story.

An American boy visits his uncle in France and discovers a mystery, and learns some French along the way. From the Back Cover A Newbery Honor Book Johnny Littlehorn kicked like a steer when his parents told him he'd spend the summer in a dull little French town instead of on their Wyoming ranch. "What a way to spend a summer," Johnny thought disgustedy. That was before he discovered a pistol hidden in a loaf of bread ... and got on the trail of a fugitive Nazi spy and a stolen fortune! "I can't think of many, if any, stories with such an engaging blend of suspense, thrills, mystery, humor-- and, yes, I have to say: charm. Plus, giving the reader, bit by bit, a remarkably good working knowledge of French without tears. More significant, I think it shows that young people can learn a lot more and a lot sooner than one might imagine. Don't be timid about giving kids a chance to learn quickly about a great many things."-- Lloyd Alexander, French linguist and author of the Newbery Medal winner The High King --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. (http://www.amazon.com/Avion-Uncle-Puffin-Newbery-Library/dp/0140364870)