THUNDER BOY JR.

Author Sherman Alexie’s son, David, energetically portrays the dynamic Thunder Boy Jr., a boy who believes his name makes him sound “like a burp or a fart.” He imagines all kinds of imaginative name alternatives with quirky rationales—“Old Toys Are Awesome,” for example, would depict his penchant for garage sales. Alexie’s playful reading adds emphasis to Yuyi Morales’s animated illustrations (included in a PDF). His rhythms emphasize the poetic writing. Sherman Alexie joins forces with his son at the audio’s end. His deep, sonorous voice reflects the powerful caring of a father who seeks happiness for his son. The two voices harmonize in a perfect climax, mirroring the shared love of two protagonists who together make “amazing weather” that “lights up the sky.” S.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2016]