THE CHICKEN DANCE

Teenager Don Schmidt is known among his peers for being the youngest kid ever to win the local chicken-judging contest. His hobby brings him not only the joys and tribulations of friendship in a new town, but is also the conduit for more surprising situations. In particular, he comes to learn more about his parents and the intricacies of their relationship--and his own relationship with them--as well as the whereabouts of his missing sister. Steve Boyer portrays multiple characters with ease. Keen observer Don is paramount, but Boyer also gives voice to his friend and sometimes enemy, Leon; his needy and manipulative mom; and his tense and injured dad. The way Boyer lets his voice trail off in uncertainty allows the listener to ponder each moment of Don's coming-of-age. A.R. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2008]