THE DRIFTWAY

Penelope Lively combines the ancient and modern in this most unusual coming-of-age story. Paul and Sandra have a difficult time adjusting to their new stepmother; eventually they run away from home. They hop a ride with old Bill on a cart going down the Driftway. "This is an old road . . . many travelers have left messages for those who come after," Bill tells the children. The road literally speaks to them. Narrator Hannah Gordon is superb as the story frequently shifts in time, place, and situation. Young listeners will be entranced as they encounter variations on the Robin Hood theme. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 06]