BIRD LAKE MOON

Oliver Wyman adeptly captures the spirit of a boyhood summer friendship. In BIRD LAKE MOON neighbors Mitch and Spencer help each other get through difficult times. Twelve-year-old Mitch is living with his grandparents on the lake because his father has left home. Ten-year-old Spencer is spending his first summer on the lake in a long time--his brother drowned there years before. Wyman's lively but subtle performance makes the boys endearingly real. Outstanding supporting characters occasionally grab the limelight. Mitch's grandmother is hilariously and affectionately cranky. Best of all, Spencer's theatrical little sister, Lolly, develops dramatic characterizations, such as the oh-so-very-English Birdie Lake, giving Wyman creative opportunities he does not waste. A.B. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2008]