SPITE FENCES

Everything changes for Maggie Pugh in the summer of 1960 in Kinship, Georgia, The abuse she suffers at home and the abuse she sees all around her come into focus when Maggie receives her first camera from her one black friend and begins to take his advice to let it help her tell the truth. This is a stark look at cruelty, ignorance, and racism, yet narrator Kate Forbes manages, with just a touch of a Southern accent, to give Maggie a sweet voice that makes her somewhat reminiscent of Scout in TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. Her portrayal is deeply felt and evocative, bringing to life a likable and intelligent character. While the story ends on a positive and hopeful note, there are both adult situations and language in this ALA Best Book for Young Adults and a Parents Choice Honor Book. Forbes's restrained yet riveting performance illuminates this thought-provoking and painful coming-of-age story. D.G. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 02]