The Last Flight of the Birdman. (1912: The Mackenzie Davis Files; 2). Dave Glaze. Regina, SK: Coteau Books, 2007. 183 pp., pbk., $8.95. ISBN 978-1-55050-373-9. Subject Heading: Saskatoon (Sask.)-Juvenile fiction. Grades 5-9 / Ages 10-14. Review by Elaine Fuhr. ***½ /4

excerpt:

Mackenzie tested the blade against the rope binding his feet. A half-dozen tiny strands split apart. Jin's right, he thought. I'll be gone only five or six minutes. If I find an officer on patrol, even less. Fletcher wouldn't really hurt Jin. Mackenzie pushed down hard and watched the blade slice through the rope. "He won't hurt him," he told himself, "because he won't have time."

The great Birdman is in town, and Mackenzie couldn't be more excited. He wants to be a flier one day, and watching the incredible plane soar over the exhibition grounds is a wonder to behold. His friend Albert, who is always full of plans and fun, can't understand Mackenzie's interests in flying or his friendship with the hardworking Chinese boy, Jin. Then robberies take place in the homes of the townspeople, and the Birdman's valuable airplane model is stolen from the hotel. It is not long before Albert, Mackenzie and Jin are all involved in a mystery that turns nasty. Mackenzie must find a way out of the situation for the sake of Jin as well as for himself.

     The Last Flight of the Birdman, second book in “The Mackenzie Davis Files” series, is written by David Glaze who has written several novels for young readers. His experience as a teacher and teacher-librarian in an elementary school has given him a wealth of knowledge about children and their interests. This is a novel that will keep any young reader involved to the very last page.

Highly Recommended.

Elaine Fuhr, a retired teacher of elementary and middle school, lives in Wabamun, AB.

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Published by The Manitoba Library Association ISSN 1201-9364

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