Alice the Brave

Alice the fearful (of the deep end of the pool) transforms into Alice the brave during the summer before she enters the oh-so-cool world of eighth grade. Motherless Alice faces growing-up issues like independence, conformity and sexuality; she also longs to have a mother who can help her through it all. Narrator Christina Moore's almost sulking alto relates marvelously to the somewhat moody nonchalance of young teens. She captures Alice and her friends beautifully, their emotions and different personalities; Moore also does a respectable job with Alice's father, brother and aunt. Her flexible tones rise to laughter and silliness among friends and lower to anxiety and determination to overcome fear. Moore's solid performance paints a clear picture of Alice and the lessons she learns about the importance of family and good friends when problems arise. J.H.B. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine