Audio of the Week--Agnes Parker…Happy Camper? (unabr.)

From SLJ January 2006

B. Allison Gray, John Jermain Memorial Library, Sag Harbor, NY -- School Library Journal, 1/2/2006

3 cassettes. 3:43 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2005. ISBN 0-307-20706-4. $30.

Gr 4-6–Agnes Parker and her best friend, the blossoming and beautiful Prejean, go to science camp for four weeks in Kathleen O'Dell's enjoyable sequel (Dial, 2005) to Agnes Parker…Girl in Progress (July 2005, p. 57). Agnes is very upset when she's assigned to the Mallards cabin and Prejean and an acquaintance named Natalie are placed in the Swans cabin. Agnes's bunk mate, Nissa, is a surly, rebellious, and perceptive girl. She thinks there's a conspiracy afoot since all of the Mallards are weird or wear glasses while all of the Swans are popular and attractive. During the first week, the girls say that Prejean is a flirt and stuck up because of her model-like appearance. Agnes and Nissa begin to get along, while Natalie and Prejean become closer. Jealousy spills over, causing a huge fight between the former best friends. Many issues are gently worked into the light but involving story: appearances can be misleading, events can be misconstrued, honesty is important, and friendship can be difficult but ultimately worth the effort. Cassandra Campbell is an excellent narrator and helps listeners become comfortable with the unusual first person narration. She sounds like a teenage girl and is particularly effective in portraying Nissa and Agnes. Preteens will enjoy this audiobook and relate to many of the experiences and concerns of the characters.

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