Seek by Paul Fleischman (0-8072-0821-3)
Having listened to this on tape, I can’t imagine reading it. Enveloped immediately by the sounds of the Louisiana swamp, I was captivated by the full cast recording. The story is that of Rob, a senior in high school, assigned to write his autobiography which he does in sound clips. Clips from his radio shows, his father’s radio program, and the voices of his family and friends. It all combines to form the story of a boy searching for his absent father.
I enjoyed the fact that Rob is not what is considered a typical teen. He is an intellectual who reads classic literature, listens to opera, and loves the radio. I would recommend the audio for families traveling with older elementary and even teen boys in the car. The sounds will stay with you long after the audiobook is finished.
Day: November 5, 2003
Haddon Wins Booktrust Prize
From the BBC comes the article Author Haddon wins teenage prize.
Having just won the Guardian Children’s Book Prize in England, Haddon wins the new teen book prize as well for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.