AIR

Sandy Rustin deftly introduces 12-year-old Emmie Ethrige, her school, and friends. Impressively independent, Emmie is saving to buy a sport wheelchair in order to participate in motocross events. Emmie and her best friend, Ale, sell Spanish moss, pine cones, and wheelchair bags to make money for their projects. Rustin movingly presents Emmie and her dad as they cope with the loss of her mother, who was her fiercest defender. Things fall apart when self-sufficient Emmie is given her own teacher aide and a fundraiser to purchase a wheelchair (which she planned to purchase herself) is begun. Rustin thoughtfully handles the awkward situations Emmie must navigate to protect her autonomy. Family life, a budding romance, and coping with challenges make for an uplifting yet realistic listen. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2022]