THE CANNING SEASON

Ninety-one-year-old twins Tilly and Penpen are nothing alike, with Tilly being tall and thin and full of cynicism and Penpen jolly and stout and welcoming to everyone. With two teenaged girls visiting for the summer, all of their lives are due to change. Narrator Julie Dretzin perfects each woman's personality with a raspy and harsh voice for Tilly and a soft, friendly lilt for Penpen. With an accurate Maine accent, Dretzin lends authenticity to the setting of the backwoods estate. Dretzin performs the visiting girls with all the characteristics of typical teens--sometimes cocky and aggressive, other times showing vulnerability and lack of confidence. With explicit language and mature content, the publisher recommends this story for listeners aged 13 and up. K.M.D. Winner of the 2003 National Book Award for Young People's Literature
(c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 04]