FAKING IT

Pete Johnson understands kids' problems, and in FAKING IT he cleverly presents Will's attempt to understand girls and why he's not seen as boyfriend material. (He's too nice.) He attempts to solve his problem by making up the perfect girlfriend. Narrator Paul Chequer is grand; his delivery sounds exactly like the real conversations and points of view of kids. When Will falters, we can hear it in his voice. Johnson creates funny and believable characters, and Chequer delivers for him. Will's best friend, Barney, is a chubby youth who sounds like he looks. Boys--and girls--should find laughs and comfort as they listen to boys discuss the mysteries of the female. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/ MAY 07]