ROLLER SKATES

Lucinda Wyman, the 10-year-old heroine of Sawyer's 1937 Newbery Award winner, is a plucky young lady surrounded by a host of quirky characters in 1890s New York. Lucinda's formal vocabulary and theatrical tendencies are reminiscent of Anne Shirley, while the complex story's turn-of-the-century setting recalls the novels of Frances Hodgson Burnett. All will likely appeal only to devoted fans of both. Kate Forbes's rapid narration suits Lucinda's fluttering personality, but will be difficult for younger listeners, who will need help to make sense of the historical references and archaic language. Lucinda's adventures will have a limited appeal, likely confined to those who avidly follow the Newbery winners. E.J.F. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 02]