THE PRESENT TAKERS

By writing this book, Aidan Chambers has done a service to all who are suffering at the hands of bullies. The “present takers” are girls, led by Melanie Prosser, who bully Lucy Hall after her birthday. Lucy decides to stand up to them; in doing so, she wins the admiration of her classmates and acquires her first boyfriend. Narrator Lisa Coleman is splendid, demonstrating the extremes of emotion inherent in such a situation. Also her portrayal of vastly different parents and parental styles is excellent. Listeners are left guessing until the end of the story as Coleman's pace is perfectly maintained. An outstanding mix of entertainment and a worthwhile lesson. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/ SEP 04]