MIDDLE SCHOOL'S A DRAG, YOU BETTER WERK!

Michael Crouch's performance makes this heartwarmingly funny story about gender and sexual identity accessible to tween listeners. Aspiring 12-year-old entrepreneur Mikey becomes a talent agent for Julian, a boy who dreams of performing drag as Coco Caliente, Mistress of Madness and Mayhem. Navigating school authorities, intolerant jocks, and insecurity about his own same-sex crush, Mikey prepares his client for the ultimate performance at the school talent show. Crouch has the ability to make every character sound relatable and endearing, from the flamboyantly confident Julian to the eager businessman Mikey, his "human demon doll" little sister, and even the school bully. Crouch gives a nuanced performance of Mikey, balancing his middle school immaturity with his growing self-awareness and sensitivity to others. S.C. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2020]