RAISING LUMIE

Narrator Rachel Jacobs's youthful voice gives a strong sense of the vulnerability of 12-year-old Olive. Olive's adored father, a single parent, has just died of cancer, and she must move into a rooming house and begin life with Maudie, an older half-sister she barely knows. Jacobs portrays Maudie's deep caring, generous spirit, and creative ways of encouraging Olive. Olive experiences a new school, a new sister, and a new lifestyle, but what she wants most is a new dog. Training a guide dog meets her immediate needs, but does this mean Olive has one more goodbye in her future? This emotive dog-and-girl story features moments of resilience, caring, and adapting. Jacobs's emotional resonance ensures that these characters are endearing, intriguing, and believable. S.W. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2020]