MATES, DATES AND COSMIC KISSES

When teenager Izzie Foster falls head over heels for a new boy, she becomes a new person, and not a well-liked one, according to her two best friends. Amanda Hulme narrates Izzie's story, avidly capturing the angst of first love and the inner monologue of this "junior Bridget Jones." Although this is a fluffy story of romantic wishes, featuring horoscopes, hopeful spells, and overemotionalism, there is a painful lesson on true friendship and finding oneself. Hulme never misses a beat when changing characters, girl or boy, as Hopkins captures an awkward but endearing adolescent. D.L.M. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/NOV 05]