13 GIFTS

Tara has been banished (her word) to her aunt and uncle’s small town, Willow Falls, for the summer. While her parents are away on a research trip, she’s determined to keep to her loner ways despite the friendliness of the locals. Kathleen McInerney effectively portrays the dynamics of the tween characters who make up this story. Her Australian accent is spot-on, and she switches from children to adult characters flawlessly. There’s magic, mystery, and a bit of mayhem in Willow Falls—especially around thirteenth birthdays. And Tara has one coming up. The story’s madcap antics are pleasantly grounded by McInerney’s youthful voice. G.D. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2011]