TETHERED TO OTHER STARS

Almarie Guerra does a particularly good job of capturing the characters' feelings in this emotional story. She depicts Wendy's passion for science, as well as her reactions to her family's fear of friends disappearing because of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement). Guerra projects the nasty tones of cruel teasing and racially based bullying at Wendy's school for gifted students, and these add to her depiction of Wendy's confusion about having been moved to a new school. Guerra's portrayal of Wendy's manipulative science partner is chilling, but there's warmth in female friends who rally around her. When family secrets are revealed, Guerra allows listeners to experience Wendy's shock, relief, and courage as she stands up for those who have been tormented. S.W. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2023]