JUMPING THE SCRATCH

Tony Award-winning Stephen Spinella reveals his storytelling talent as he gives voice to young Jamie Reardon, whom he portrays as an introspective loner. Spinella uses a contemplative tone to reveal Jamie's desire to help his Aunt Sapphy, a woman who suffered brain damage in an accident at the cherry factory where she worked. Spinella instills Jamie's friend, Audrey Krouch, with a precocious voice as she attempts to hypnotize Jamie and uncover his deepest secrets. As Spinella vocalizes Aunt Sapphy's warm, confused tone, his ability to draw in the reader shines, especially when Jamie becomes more confident in his belief that he might be able to heal his caring aunt. S.M. 2007 Audies Award Finalist © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 06]