3 Willows

Ann Brashares, author of THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS, offers three new engaging teenage characters and situations. Jo's brother has died and her parents are divorcing, Ama's adjusting to her move from Ghana, and Polly discovers scary secrets about her mother. Friends since they planted willow sprigs in third grade, they're now on the brink of high school. Farr's narration differentiates the three well. She gives academic Ama a soft accent and an air of disgust as she deals with a dreaded outdoor summer camp experience. Farr registers Jo's fury over her parents' new arrangements and her excitement at new love. She captures Polly's nervous struggle to pursue a modeling dream. A strong author interview follows the story. S.W. (c) AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine