NINJAS, PIRANHAS, AND GALILEO

Questions abound as three good friends enter their school's science fair. Is repeating an experiment to prove validity wise scientific practice? Which evidence is accurate in Elias's science project? Does baroque music affect plant growth? Who is sending secret admirer emails to Honoria? Will Shohei find a way to be comfortable with his Japanese heritage? Elias, Honoria, and Shohei navigate the vicissitudes of their young teenaged years with resilience. The use of three narrators heightens the impact of Smith's novel. Events are presented from three different points of view, and the listener becomes aware of how varied the perceptions of a single incident can be. The voices, fresh and heartfelt, are reflective of teenaged minds, emotions, and humor. A.R. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/ SEP 04]