THE ABRACADABRA KID A Writer's Life

While it might have been fascinating to hear Fleischman himself narrate this meandering autobiography, the deep-voiced Nelson Runger is both believable and charming as the Newbery-winning author (The Whipping Boy) who never intended to write a children's book, much less earn his fame as a writer in the genre. Pacing is the key to the wry humor of this reading. Runger makes liberal use of pauses and a modulating tone that often rises at the end of a line or when delivering a rare snippet of information. Largely unvoiced, the reading does make occasional room for the thick accents of Fleischman's Jewish parents. Though intended for older children and young adults, this recording will be a pleasure for adult listeners as well. T.B. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/MAR 99]