BEAUTIFUL BLUE WORLD

The story takes place in the fictional country of Sofarende. Narrator Christy Romano expresses the tenderness among Mathilde's family members even as they're threatened by the bombings in their war-torn town. When Mathilde is given the opportunity to contribute to the war effort and her family's financial well-being, her parents think it's for the best. She passes an "adolescent army aptitude test" and is paid for her impending service. Before she knows it, Mathilde's hidden in a secret location inhabited by brilliant children who decipher patterns, information, and codes. Mathilde feels inferior--though Romano makes her talents clear--until she's given a special mission at which she excels. Through Mathilde's viewpoint, Romano illuminates the horrific effects of war. Listeners disappointed by the cliff-hanger ending will welcome the sequel. S.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2017]