Tuck Everlasting

Gr 4-7–Winnie Foster is seriously thinking about running away from her sleepy hometown to escape the oppressive summer heat and her equally smothering caregivers. When she encounters a strange boy in the nearby woods, she is thrown into the adventure of a lifetime. She meets the boy’s family, the Tucks, and learns a seemingly impossible secret: the Tucks are immortal. As Winnie grapples with the idea of death, she must decide whether she, too, wants to live forever or if immortality is more of a curse than a blessing. Actor Bledel reprises her role as Winnie and lends her voice for this special 50th anniversary recording of Babbitt’s timeless tale. Bledel’s youthful narration authentically captures Winnie’s innocence and practicality. Her presentation of the Tucks feels joyful, like a child playacting. The addition of music, water effects, and Bledel’s own laughter and whistling creates an engaging listening experience. Her line delivery sometimes becomes a little breathy, but it suits the tension and stakes of the story.