SAMURAI SUMMER

Nick Podehl's steady narration draws us into the world of 12-year-old Tommy, nicknamed Kenny--after the word "ken," Japanese for sword. Every year at camp Kenny and his fellow campers must endure the abusive rules of the counselors and their sadistic leader, Matron. A group of boys led by Kenny adopts the honorable code of the samurai to cope with the horrors heaped upon them. Kenny's natural leadership qualities are revealed through Podehl's unique tone and pacing. Particularly memorable is the innocent voice of the youngest boy, Sausage, who continually begs Kenny for more samurai bedtime tales. Matron's heartless voice reminds us of every child's worst nightmare. Listeners will cower, laugh, and cry in equal measure. M.F.T. © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2013]