GINGERBREAD

Other than impossibly long legs, Cyd Charisse has little in common with the real-life dancer for whom her mother named her. Instead, 15-year-old Cyd has a load of adolescence to survive. When she's sent back East to live with her dad, whom she has only met once, one wonders whether she or her dad will make it. Carine Montbertrand voices Cyd with energy and believability; this Cyd, who tells her own story, is audibly spoiled yet interesting, smart yet impossible. Montbertrand does as well with the wide range of secondary characters, from self-involved mom to 9-year-old brother who adores his rebellious sister. This is a captivating listen for adolescents and the adults who love them. A.C.S. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 06]