MY GRANDFATHER THE SPY

The hero of Son for a Day (1980) searches for his roots on a Vermont farm. While his actress mother works in commercials, Danny is invited to spend the summer with the Warrens and help renovate their rundown property. On the bus north, he strikes up an acquaintance with Harold Hawkins, a friendly elderly man who later turns up at the farm (which has now become an inn) as a guest. Also helping out in the inn is Carla, a girl Danny's age; Danny is jealous of the attention she gets and worried about Harold, who seems to harbor a mysterious past. After the consequences of Danny's attempt to run away clear the air between him and Carla, they join forces to have Harold declared Grandfather of the Year at a country fair--with results that affect everyone. Danny tells his story in the breezy fashion he used in the two earlier books, moving the story quickly, if not memorably. Characterizations here are undistinguished, but work within the context. Satisfying if not outstanding.