ORPHAN ISLAND

Kim Mai Guest captivates listeners with her narration of Snyder's wondrous story about "nine on an island, orphans all." Jinny has become the new elder, who is responsible for teaching and protecting the island's newest inhabitant, Ess. Guest incorporates a different tone and pace for each of the story's nine (later 10) consistently portrayed characters, adjusting her voice to embody a variety of ages, personalities, and attitudes. As the mystery of the island unfolds, Guest brings Jinny and Ess's many adventures and mishaps to life. Narrating from Jinny's perspective, Guest's tone slowly changes over the course of the story after Jinny makes a decision that brings chaos to the orphans' home. V.C. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2017]