Black Box
RSS-- School Library Journal, 01/15/2010
From the January issue
Black Box (unabr.). 4 CDs. 3:54 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape (library.booksontape.com). 2009. ISBN 978-0-7393-8595-1. $38.
Gr 7 Up–Elena, a high school freshman, has always looked up to her older sister, Dora, and the two have an exceptionally close relationship. But when Dora is hospitalized for depression, Elena has a difficult time coping. The strained visits to the hospital, the tension once Dora returns home, the keeping of secrets, and the attempt to “make everything the same as it used to be” as her parents’ arguments escalate and Dora seems to be spiraling out of control put Elena in the vortex of a difficult struggle. At school, the only people who will even speak to her are some of Dora’s worried friends and the rather strange Jimmy Zenk who seems to know a great deal about depression. At home, she tries to monitor Dora’s actions, such as sleeping most of the day, hoarding her pills, skipping school, and not eating. The situation becomes even more difficult when Dora must swear to keep Elena’s secret. Lynde Houck narrates Julie Schumacher’s novel (Delacorte, 2008), perfectly capturing Elena’s voice. At the conclusion, Schumacher offers commentary about writing the book. Poignant, at times heartbreaking, and always honest, the blend of a good story and a strong narrative voice makes this an exceptional listen.– Janet Hilbun, Texas Women’s University, Denton
