FRINDLE

Nick is an enterprising guy, maybe a troublemaker at times, definitely someone who pushes the limits at every opportunity. When he undertakes to introduce a new word, "frindle," into the English language, his fifth-grade language arts teacher, Mrs. Granger, plays devil's advocate. A battle of wits and wills ensues. John Fleming's delivery, announcer style, creates some distance from the characters; but as the story unfolds, a media circus ensues, politicians and lawyers come out from the wings, and the stylistic choice is entirely appropriate to the story. Fleming's deep, modulated, omniscient narration, without individual voicing, is ideal. In fact, the audio recording of this popular and funny novel is sure to find a ready audience among middle-grade kids, and it's a perfect choice for long family trips. T.B. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/JUL 99]