A STEP TOWARD FALLING

Narrators Amanda Wallace and Ashley Clements team up for this realistic story of ethical dilemmas and what it means to be disabled. Emily, a high school senior, is a good person who, nonetheless, fails to act forcefully after witnessing Belinda, a developmentally challenged student, being assaulted at a football game. Clements channels her inner teen when narrating Emily's chapters, believably capturing the cadence and vocal register of the girl as she struggles with self-acceptance and a better understanding of those who are different from her. Particularly impressive is the respectful manner with which Wallace conveys Belinda's disabilities, unique voice, and maturing emotions as she learns to trust her instincts and inner strength. This affecting audiobook is a reminder that first impressions can be deceiving. C.B.L. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2015]