WHERE THE WATERMELONS GROW

Narrator Sisi Aisha Johnson turns on her sweetest Southern drawl for this heartwarming story. Twelve-year-old Della Kelly's angelic tone twists and dips for words like "watermelon" and "momma," while her best friend, Arden, has a barely-there accent. Demonstrating expert narrating skills, Johnson smoothly switches between the girls' voices during their deep heart-to-hearts. When Della's mother starts hearing voices, Johnson exchanges Della's carefree tone for one of concern and confusion as the girl grapples with her mother's mental decline. Despite the large cast, Johnson gives each character a distinct tone and tempo, allowing listeners to easily follow busy conversations. The story's gentle take on mental illness and its flawless narration make it a must-listen. V.T. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2018]