STEPPING OFF

Kirby Heyborne's portrayal of 16-year-old Jesse begins with his comfort in the pleasurable Pennsylvania summers he's experienced with his two childhood friends, Ava and Chloe. Heyborne expresses Jesse's slight tone of concern as he wonders which of the two girls he loves more and how a declaration of that might change all their relationships. Change is a theme in this audio as Heyborne reflects Jesse's increasing stress as his parents' marriage founders; they squabble and separate, and Jesse is angry and alienated from them both. When the pandemic closes schools and businesses and affects his grandparents, Heyborne portrays Jesse's confused emotions, his attempts to find security with Ava and Chloe, and eventually his acceptance of life's difficulties. S.W. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2024]