TURTLE BOY

Wolkenstein's debut audiobook found its inspiration in his own experience with a facial abnormality. He narrates this unique coming-of-age story from the point of view of Will, a seventh grader who is dealing with a looming operation, bullying by his classmates, and several other challenges. As narrator, Wolkenstein's voice works, especially as Will shares his thoughts, feelings, and frustrations. The voice of R.J., a terminally ill older teen whom Will must visit for his Bar Mitzvah community project, sounds realistic as he and Will gradually build a friendship. The taunting voices of the bullies are appropriately obnoxious. The personalities of his mom, best friends Shirah and Max, and Rabbi Harris come through with slight tweaks to tempo and tone. N.E.M. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2020]