The Cruisers Book 3: A Star Is Born

The third installment in Myers’s Cruisers series follows the adventures of Zander—the creator of an alternative high school newspaper called The Cruiser—and his friend LaShonda, who recently won a scholarship because of her theatrical costume design. As high praise and opportunities for LaShonda start rolling in, she finds herself conflicted by a difficult choice she must make—whether to embrace her success or stick with her autistic brother. Narrator Kevin R. Free turns in a solid performance in this audio edition. His narration is brisk, clear, and captures the fast-paced world of DaVinci Academy. Free also proves adept at vocally differentiating the book’s many characters—from the unctuous assistant principal (with crisp, over-enunciated diction) to the down-to-earth, good-humored Zander and free-willed LaShonda. Free’s rendition of LaShonda is particularly impressive—he vividly renders her excitability and internal turmoil. Ages 9–12. A Scholastic Press hardcover. (Aug.)