ANA ON THE EDGE

Diane Chen gives a moving performance as Ana Jin, a tween figure skater whose discomfort with a new princess-themed skating program forces Ana to realize she's nonbinary. Beyond providing distinct vocal performances of each supporting character, making the story easy to follow, Chen's most remarkable skill is their ability to take listeners on an emotional journey. They will feel Ana's gender discomfort and the sudden promise of trans kinship. They will fret over Ana's fear of rejection, as well as Ana's sudden unraveling at a skating competition. And they will cheer, finally, at Ana's decision to come out. Throughout, Chen gives this important story the emotional landscape it deserves. G.P. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2020]