JASPER JONES

Jasper Jones and Charlie Bucktin couldn't be more opposite. Jasper, who is half Aboriginal, lives by his wits and cares not at all what the uptight residents of Corrigan think of him. Charlie, the son of a local teacher, is a good kid who sees his dad as similar to his hero, Atticus Finch. Narrator Matt Cowlrick portrays each boy splendidly. He also captures the diverse Aussie accents and personalities, along with the typical kids the boys encounter as they search for a murderer. Best is Cowlrick's spirited description of Charlie getting drunk (and sick) for the first time. The great contrast of the boys adds to the intrigue and wonder as they learn that things aren't always as they seem. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2012]