PACIFIC CROSSING

Although aimed at young adults, PACIFIC CROSSING is a wonderful listening experience for everyone. Two Mexican-American boys are invited to spend the summer in Japan as exchange students. Their amazing and varied experiences with the country, culture and Japanese people are engrossing and moving. Listeners feel part of the action and emotion as Soto and Ramirez transport us to Japan to practice kempo (a martial art), work hard in the fields and even make Mexican food for their Japanese families. Ramirez is masterful as he presents a multitude of accents while keeping kids sounding like kids and moms like moms, no matter which continent they inhabit. A perfect finishing touch is the sharing of Spanish and Japanese words with their uses and definitions as they relate to the story. S.G.B. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award © AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/NOV 99]