THE YEAR WE FELL FROM SPACE

Narrator Stephanie Willing's bright, youthful voice establishes the conflicts and complex characterizations in King's poignant story. Aspiring astronomer Liberty feels that nobody understands her. When a meteorite crashes into her backyard, it becomes her best friend. King balances parental pain and childhood confusion as the Johansen family weathers depression, divorce, and school trouble, and Willing's delivery imbues these moments with heart and honesty. As Liberty struggles to cope, Willing's pacing speeds up to capture frantic thoughts and volatile situations, then slows to embrace difficult conversations and introspective moments. Through Willing's characterizations of classmates, parents, a kind therapist, and a brave younger sister, listeners join Liberty as she finds new ways to see the world. Willing and King weave a refreshingly relatable story of growth and determination. K.S.B. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2019]