OVER THE END LINE

This story of adolescence involves sports, the quest for popularity, first love, and all the accompanying emotions. Jonny and Kyle are neighbors in a New Jersey town where sports and tradition are everything. Their lives are a study in contrasts—Jonny's dad has left his family while Kyle is a sports hero with a comfortable home. Narrator Todd Licea is spot-on as the book opens with Jonny awakening drunk and unable to recall anything. Licea ably portrays the school's “haves” and “have nots” and the fine line in sports between glory and oblivion. Jonny has a crush on Annalisa who is, from Italy. As they romantically recite poetry, the lovely accent Licea gives the young Italian enhances the presentation—and Jonny's feelings! This is an excellent coming-of-age story. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2010]