Untouchable

Bronson Pinchot proves the perfect choice to narrate this novel of grief, sorrow, and recovery. Eleven-year-old Whitley Darby—known as “The Kid”—refuses to accept his mother’s death. Instead, he convinces himself that she’s alive and will eventually return to him. To ensure that return, Whitley takes a vow of silence and communicates by writing in school notebooks. This behavior only adds to his alienation and the daily bullying he endures. Pinchot—with a soft, easy delivery—lovingly brings this melancholy story and its diverse characters to life. His narration is smooth and compelling, while the voices he lends Whitley and his father fully realize their sadness and despair. But Pinchot also manages to infuse each scene with a sense of hope. The result is heartfelt performance of a rich and deeply moving story. A Tyrus Books paperback. (May)