THE SECRET SCHOOL

Ida Bidson goes to a rural Colorado school. In the spring of 1925, just weeks before the end of her eighth-grade year, the school is closed. Her dream of passing the eighth-grade exam and going on to high school is in jeopardy. She, and her classmates, decide to continue the school with Ida as teacher. The outcome is predictable, but the story and characters are charming. Johanna Parker's reading is very good. She is energetic and clear, performing the narrative and characters with great skill. M.T.F. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 03]