POP FLIES, ROBO-PETS, AND OTHER DISASTERS

Narrator Nicholas Richardson introduces 13-year-old Satoshi Matsumato, who lived in Atlanta while his dad worked there. Now they're back in Japan, and Satoshi has a difficult time resettling. He uses baseball as a way to reconnect with his classmates. Richardson portrays Satoshi as a kind, independent kid who puts family first and ignores taunts from a teacher and classmates. Vibrant conversations, outstanding sound effects, and fascinating cultural differences keep listeners riveted. For example, in Japan baseball players bow to each other and cry after losing a game. It's captivating to hear Satochi's grandad, who was a sports hero, share his baseball experiences. Most moving is Satoshi's response to nasty remarks about his disabled younger sister. The surprising outcome of the final baseball game is rewarding. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2021]