Reviews

Gr 7-12-Four talented, youthful narrators read selected stories from this popular best seller. Written by teens, these anecdotes share experiences of growing up with families, of grieving for a death, and of relationships with peers. The vignettes present challenges of life showing that others have had similar experiences. While comforting to realize one is not alone, they also illustrate behaviors from which other young adults can learn. All the speakers have clear enunciation and speak expressively without getting emotional. Usually the narrators alternate between stories, sometimes following a musical interlude. Using several narrators makes a pleasant variety that enhances interest. The performance of a few of the stories is enhanced by the use of two speakers reading different parts within the same story. The recording could be used very effectively to motivate students to read the book on their own.-Claudia Moore, W.T. Woodson High School, Fairfax, VA