Heartbeat

HEARTBEAT Sharon Creech, 2004. Read by Mandy Siegfried. 1 tape. 1.5 hrs. Recorded Books. 1-4025-8482-2. $18.00. Vinyl; plot notes. J

In free verse journal form, Annie tells about her life. She runs for the joy of running with her friend Max, an unhappy boy who runs to win and feels that his feet are "his ticket out of here." Annie's art teacher gives her an assignment to draw the same apple every day for a hundred days; while she draws, she reflects on the way life changes. Her mother is going to have a baby and Annie and her father observe the prenatal transformation of her mother's body with delight and apprehension; ultimately they witness Joey's birth.

Annie is a wholesome, well-adjusted. thoughtful child. Siegfried reads in pleasant, light, girlish tones and sounds like Annie. Creech's talent lies in her ability to word-paint what she "sees" without revealing all; she allows the reader to discover more than the words show. Those who enjoyed Creech's Walk Two Moons will also welcome this seemingly simple book.

J--Recommended for junior high school students. The contents are of particular interest to young adolescents and their teachers.

Mary Purucker, Beverly Hills P.L., Beverly Hills, CA

COPYRIGHT 2004 Kliatt
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group