WHERE THE WATER TAKES US

Narrator Eunice Wong captures the beauty and pain of this magical coming-of-age story set on a Canadian island. Listeners meet 11-year-old Ava, who has been sent to her grandparents while her mother experiences a difficult pregnancy. Wong's sweet, sensitive Ava is worried despite her loving grandparents and the gorgeous setting of the island, replete with deer, birds, and water sports. The well-rendered characters come alive, including young Cody, whose joy and enthusiasm annoy Ava, who wants to be left alone to brood. After witnessing a bird's death, Ava becomes convinced she's cursed and must care for two orphaned robins to reverse her fate. Most relatable are Ava's and Cody's encounters, and Wong's exceptional child and adult dialogue. Audio is essential for the evocative climax, which is both realistic and satisfying. S.G.B. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2024]