The School Story

by Andrew Clements
Hennepin County Library, audioCD 3:18
read by Spencer Kayden
genre: YA kid empowerment

Cute story, but definitely an older elementary title. The protagonists are sixth graders and I think this book will appeal to third through sixth graders. Natalie Nelson is a talented writer who is working on a novel called The Cheater. Her best friend Zoe thinks it is good enough to be published, and is strong-willed enough to make it happen. The two girls overcome many obstacles and learn a lot along the way. Enjoyable story - Clements is good at these!

Kayden's narration is very good - easy to listen to, and nice character distinction.