SUMMER BIRD BLUE

Em Eldridge's narration adds emotion to the story of Rumi Seto, who lost everything when her younger sister, who was also her best friend and song-writing partner, died in a car accident. Rumi's mother sends her to live with her aunt in Hawaii, leaving Rumi to grieve on her own, aching for her sister with only her aunt and the boys next door to help her explore her feelings. Eldridge excels at portraying Rumi's pain and petulance, and provides believable voices for secondary characters. As Rumi slowly recovers, she makes friends with her neighbors, especially attractive Kai and 80-year-old Mr. Watanabe, grumbly in voice and personality, who inspires Rumi to get back to her music. E.J.F. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2018]