Off and Running

Fifth-grader Miata Ramirez and her running mate, Ana, decide to challenge class clown Rudy and his friend, Alex for the office of student body president. Barrie Kreinik's capable narration of this school tale pleases as she smoothly transitions from unobtrusive narrative to original portrayals of determined Miata, shy Ana, brash Rudy, and his cutup sidekick, Alex. This production offers an engaging look at school politics and the quest for popularity, along with the dynamics of boy/girl relationships. (Miata and Ana's school beautification platform contrasts sharply with her opponents' "longer recesses and more ice cream" agenda.) Whether bringing to life the story's lively dialogue or weaving in Spanish expressions that create the children's everyday world, Kreinik makes the most of Soto's engaging story. J.C.G. (c) AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine

November 3, 1997
A fifth-grade election at a Latino school in California pits a pair of earnest girls against a pair of clownish boys. Characters from Soto's The Skirt, The Pool Party and Boys at Work reappear here. Ages 8-12.