I'M NOT DYING WITH YOU TONIGHT

Narrator Channie Waites opens this audiobook with a lilt, verve, and rhythm, appropriately introducing African-American teen Lena. Lena teases as generously as she loves; her wit is immediately apparent. Brittany Pressley portrays Campbell, whose tone is reserved and timid. Campbell is a teen who is flying under the radar--she is only interested in surviving one year at her new school. When a fight leads to a shooting, the two characters are thrown together as they flee to safety. As they face several other frightening situations, Campbell and Lena's initial codependence leads to mutual understanding and appreciation. Lively voices lessen what sometimes feel like stock characters. S.W. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2019]