BROWN BOY NOWHERE

Narrator Ramón de Ocampo is a one-man teen cast in this fresh send-up of high school insiders and outsiders. Filipino-American skater Angelo Rivera is devastated when his family moves from San Diego to the middle of nowhere. De Ocampo is equally at ease with Angelo's constant jokes and his mother's emotional Tagalog outbursts. Enduring racist bullying and microaggressions, Angelo gradually warms up to his new home. He becomes the reluctant leader of a group of outsiders, including graffiti artist Kirsten, who rally against the powerful jocks. De Ocampo's squeaky timbre and gentle Southern accent for band geek Larry paint a crystal clear picture. His many character voices always find the balance between iconic and realistic. In the end, all of the characters show heartfelt growth. S.T.C. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2021]