BELLE TEAL

It's the 1960s in the rural South, and 10-year-old Belle Teal Harper can't wait to start fifth grade at Coker Creek Elementary School. Her papa died young, so she's been used to living with her hard-working mama and grandmama, and being happy among her peers at school. That's why she doesn't anticipate the challenges that meet her from the first day. There are the new girl's taunts about Belle's poor clothes, the bigotry of classmates' parents toward her new African-American friend, and Gran's failing memory. Julia Gibson's genuinely girlish voice makes this first-person story feel real. Her thoughtful cadence enlivens Belle's wonder and fear. E.V. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 03]