The Collected Works of Gretchen Oyster, by Cary Fagan. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2019. $19.99 ages 10 and up

"She got on her bike, which was leaning against the porch steps, and rode away down the sidewalk. I sat up to watch her disappear. What if she didn’t come back? What if my parents didn’t come home from work? What if all the things I thought were certain turned out not to be?

But I didn’t do anything, just lay back down and stayed there for a long time. I stayed there staring up ... "

Hartley's life has been turned upside down with trauma in his family. Life at home is no better than life at school, as he deals with questions, concerns, and the fact that his older brother, Jackson, has run away. No one knows where he is. His parents are unable to deal with their loss, his sister is dealing with it by being as difficult as possible. Only his little brother George remains a light in Hartley's life, although also a source of frustration.

An end-of-the-year school project is looming. Hartley has no idea what topic to pick ... there is nothing he is passionate about at the moment.  In the middle of all this, he finds an unconventional postcard that has collaged art and an ambiguous message:

"i hate all kinds of flags

except
pirate flags"

It has the number '1' on it, and is signed 'g.o.'. Within days, he finds another postcard, numbered '2'. With little else of importance to do, Hartley sets off to find other postcards; perhaps even the artist. As the reader becomes part of Hartley's quest to find and save others pieces of art, Cary Fagan interjects short pieces written by Gretchen Oyster to give her own personal point of view. Hartley discovers what he can about her, and eventually meets her.

Hartley is an impressive character who will appeal to many readers. As he searches for the artist, he becomes aware once more of the greater world, and begins to move past the trauma of Jackson's departure. Other characters are all worthy of attention. 

This is an appealing story that will find fans in those readers who like mysteries, art, and new friendships. The artwork is beautiful and compelling; the text is funny and emotional. Both unconventional and compelling, it is a satisfying read.