THE BECKONERS

In this gripping novel, 15-year-old Zoe transfers to a new high school and finds herself violently initiated into the "Beckoners," a gang of female bullies who terrorize students and teachers alike. Zoe is horrified by the gang's brutality but terrified to cross Beck, the gang's sociopathic leader. When their violence goes too far, Zoe has to find the courage to stand up and protect her true friends. Narrator Edwina Wren vividly brings this character-driven story to life with a multitude of voices. Zoe's perfect teenage-sounding delivery emotes angst and indifference. Beck's cruel, heartless voice is in stark contrast to that of the school outcast, April, and her heartbreakingly defeated tone. Wren does true justice to this powerful story of injustice and teenage bullying. A.R.H. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2009]