SERENA SAYS

Narrator Imani Parks vibrantly portrays the challenges and triumphs of the preteen years in this gentle middle-grade audiobook. Serena St. John longs to be a student reporter and a successful vlogger but often finds herself in the shadow of her exuberant best friend, JC. When JC suddenly becomes closer to new girl Leilani, Serena must find her own path forward. Parks skillfully illustrates Serena's wide range of emotions--from her hurt and frustration at being displaced to her bubbly enthusiasm in front of the camera for her vlogs. Serena's growing confidence is subtly indicated in tone and vocal style. Since the early part of the plot hinges on Serena's head cold and scratchy voice, Parks does a great job putting those details into her performance. N.M. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2020]