R MY NAME IS RACHEL

Cynthia Holloway captures Rachel’s quiet hopes as her family moves to a country farmhouse. The Great Depression forces her father to leave in search of work. All alone, Rachel is forced to find common ground with her two younger siblings. Holloway’s liquid, expressive voice depicts Rachel’s myriad emotions as her life changes. Listeners will enjoy hearing Rachel try out impressive vocabulary words on farm life. Her wonder at planting a garden can clearly be heard in Holloway’s youthful voice. Giff’s text helps indicate which child is speaking when Holloway’s voices sound similar. And better phrasing would have smoothed out Rachel’s short sentences. But Rachel’s touching story wraps up too soon. C.A. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2011]