SCHOOL TROUBLE FOR ANDY RUSSELL

Oliver Wyman's repertoire includes a plethora of familiar school personalities. He shifts effortlessly from the intimidating principal to the goody-two-shoes to the zany student to the high-strung substitute teacher. As Andy Russell, Wyman goes beyond caricature and voices not only his cocky side, but also the maturing side of Andy, who is growing to understand the adults in his life. Young listeners hear the disappointment in Andy's voice as he’s singled out at school and his resolve that he can effect change in his life. Adler's story and Wyman's narration especially shine at the Russell home as Andy's parents show compassion for his situation at school and for the neighborhood family they are helping. A.R. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2008]