SKATER BOY

Narrator Michael Crouch emotionally connects to Wes, whose reputation as a bad boy with rowdy friends, terrible grades, and a quick temper is essential to hiding his gay identity. But when Wes is dragged to a ballet performance by his mom and her potential fiancé, he is immediately enamored with Tristan, a dancer. Crouch conveys Wes's frustration with authority figures, along with his passion for photography, building a portrait of a sensitive teen who desperately wants to change how people perceive him. Utilizing a variety of voices, Crouch smoothly differentiates characters. The banter between grumpy Wes and gentle Tristan highlights their differences in personality and enhances their sweet and awkward moments together. A.K.R. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2024]