Dear Napoleon, I Know You're Dead, But-- [Hardcover]

Elvira Woodruff (Author), Noah Woodruff (Illustrator), Jess Woodruff (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up

Marty receives a surprising reply when he writes a letter describing his spirited but sick grandfather to Napoleon Bonaparte.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6-- Faced with a school assignment to write a letter to a famous person, Marty chooses to write to Napoleon Bonaparte. He has heard all about him from his grandfather, a lovable old coot. When the elderly man is forced into a nursing home, he tells Marty that one of the other residents can actually deliver the letter to Napoleon. Several weeks later, Marty astounds his classmates and teacher by receiving a letter, postmarked Paris, from the Emperor himself. The boy goes on to receive other missives from, for example, Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Edison, and eventually comes to believe that his grandfather has pulled off an elaborate hoax. However, following the old man's death, a last letter arrives from Vincent Van Gogh, adding a bit ambiguity to the story. This unresolved element does not detract from the mystery, since most readers would be disappointed if the letters were the mere product of playful scheming. Throughout, a nice balance is maintained between the story's serious elements and the humorous, fantastic parts. The affectionate relationship between Marty and his grandfather is particularly well rendered. --Todd Morning, Schaumburg Township Public Library, IL
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 220 pages
• Publisher: Holiday House; 1st edition (September 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823409627
• ISBN-13: 978-0823409624
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,080,345 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Elvira Woodruff is the author of over twenty picture books and novels for young readers including George Washington's Socks. Most recent books include Fearless and Small Beauties: The Journey of Darcy Heart O'Hara.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A touching read... Not what I expected!, June 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Dear Napoleon, I Know You're Dead, But... (Paperback)

I noticed this book at a book fair in fifth grade, and brought it home, expecting (because of the title) a ludicrous, laugh-inducing romp through history. What I got instead was a touching, sometimes hilarious, sometimes sad book that had me fairly glowing with pleasure after I finished it.

This is definetely a worthwhile read, and a good buy. :-)

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Can you write to dead people, April 11, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Dear Napoleon, I Know You're Dead, But... (Paperback)

Martin Belucci wants to write to Napoleon for a class assignment. Only one problem, Napoleon's dead. His grandfather tells Martin to come over and send it at the nursing home. Martin's grandfather says there is a secret travel in time courier service. Martin is out to find out the truth of this time traveling mailman

5.0 out of 5 stars Touching, Great Read., January 28, 2012

By 

Shirtisred - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dear Napoleon, I Know You're Dead, But... (Paperback)

I first noticed this book in my 5th grade teachers' book shelf. I thought this would be just silly story between a boy and Napoleon, but boy was I wrong.

This was an AMAZING read. Very interesting, with some moments being funny and some extremely sad.

One of my favorite books :)

I definitely recommend it!