WORD AFTER WORD AFTER WORD

The world changes when Ms. Mirabel comes to the fourth grade to teach about the joys of writing stories and poetry. Hen, Evie, May, and writing star Lucy exchange ideas and banter with their guest teacher. When we use words, nothing is what it seems, she explains; for example, grass grows up—and down! Narrator Jenna Lamia expertly portrays the feisty teacher and her sassy class. As the kids create poetry, they find it helps them cope with life's challenges, such as a mom with cancer and the death of a beloved dog. The concluding author interview reveals that the author has put much of herself and her belief in the power of art in this charming fictional account. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2010]