LUPE WONG WON'T DANCE

Narrator Kyla Garcia deftly creates a middle school, its ethnically diverse students, and their eclectic encounters. To start, listeners will join baseball player Lupe Wong, who's chagrined to learn that her PE class will require square dancing. Garcia's Lupe is a determined girl who strongly resists the gym assignment and persuades her classmates to join her in protest. Listeners hear the square dance calls as the kids practice. Garcia shines at portraying Niles, a special needs student, and snaggletoothed Gordon, whose enthusiasm for square dancing makes up for the reluctance of his classmates. Most engaging is a family dinner with Lupe's Chinese and Mexican grandparents--the lively conversation is priceless. The multiple accents throughout the story are well done. This spirited story promotes friendship and collaboration. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2020]