STAND TALL

Ron McLarty is always a pleasure to listen to, and he doesn't disappoint in this story about six-foot three-inch seventh-grader, Tree. Tree and his family are learning to deal with his parents' recent divorce while his grandfather, a Vietnam veteran, learns to cope with an amputation and new prosthetic leg. The story itself is told primarily from Tree's viewpoint, although the narrative occasionally shifts awkwardly to another character. McLarty carries the listener through with his gravelly voice and moments of brilliance. When Tree's grandfather's friend describes Christmas in Vietnam, he sings just a few words of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" and makes the scene come alive. His rapid and edgy voice for Tree's friend Sophie is perfect. A compelling listen. A.F. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 03/JAN 04]