THE BATTLE OF JERICHO

Listeners are privy to the emotional roller coaster of Jericho as he moves between fighting to be accepted by his peers and staying true to his deep-rooted family values. JD Jackson realistically depicts Jericho's thoughts and dialogue. Characters are differentiated and well done. While adolescence is hard to recapture, Jackson does a fine job evoking the world of high school. Slightly reminiscent of THE CHOCOLATE WAR, this is an updated story of hazing and trying to fit in. Draper is a bit didactic in her story line, yet the teens who find her stories appealing will learn many strong lessons. D.L.M. 2005 YALSA Selection (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 04]