WITH JUST ONE WING

André Santana's endearing voice delivers this relatable coming-of-age story. Listeners meet 11-year-old Coop, whose mother left him at a safe-haven hospital when he was a day old. Coop's happy with his adoptive family, especially wise and understanding G-Pop, who is terrifically rendered. Coop's summer plans change after he falls from a tree, breaking his arm, while watching a baby mockingbird. When he discovers it has only one wing, he decides to "adopt" it. He names it Hop. It's heartbreaking when he learns it's illegal to keep him. Santana flawlessly captures Coop's realization that giving up the bird for a better life is what his own mother did for him. This magical listen, including the author's heartbreaking note sharing that she had a similar childhood, will inspire listeners of all ages. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2024]