LOCKDOWN

Juggling a range of personalities in this story of redemption, J.D. Jackson balances his voices well, particularly that of the main character, Reese. But it takes a bit of listening. At first, Jackson’s voice sounds too old for the 14-year-old character. Yet as Jackson instills his voice with all the insecurity and frustration Reese experiences as a young black man who is trying to sort out his life while stuck in a juvenile detention center, the situation resonates with the listener. Given the opportunity to participate in a work-release program, Reese sees the opportunity to improve his life and help his family, but that’s only if he can keep out of the trouble that landed him in prison in the first place. L.E. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2010]