VIRTUAL CODY

What's in a name? Cody's father poses this question midway through Betsy Duffey's book, and it's truly the kernel of the story. What will the third-grade class's rabbit be named? Where did each of the students' names come from? How can names be used to hurt people? Johnny Heller's narration captures Cody's intensity as he works out his position on each of the name issues. Worry, impishness, imagination and dejection are clear. Heller is skillful in differentiating Cody's computer journal entries from the daily happenings. He gives life to each of the students in the class and validates the viciousness of third-grade teasing and the subsequent quickness to resolve and accept. This would be a great listening choice for the early months of third grade. A.R. © AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/NOV 00]