SNAP

In a poignant story reminiscent of Lois Lowry's SUMMER TO DIE, two 11-year-olds, Sally and Becky, have been friends since second grade. Becky, the story's narrator, is a list-maker and wearer of rubber bands colored-coded for the different things she needs to remind herself. Sally is a free-spirited beauty with a wonderful laugh, magnificent hair, and a fun-loving grandmother. But things change one summer, and Sally becomes a distant stranger. How Becky and Sally come to terms with the difficult issue of death is what's at the heart of this well-written coming-of-age story. Kudos to Christina Moore. Truly, truly gifted, she is especially talented at capturing the pathos of the young. This is a good choice for mothers and daughters to enjoy together. D.G. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 04/ JAN 05]