Ophie Out of Oz

Ophie Peeler thinks of herself as Dorothy waiting for something big to happen "somewhere over the rainbow." But Oregon isn't quite what Ophie had in mind. She misses her best friend, Lizzy, from back in California; she misses how she starred as Dorothy in the school play. Now her only friend is sort-of-strange Brittany Borg. Ophie dreams of singing with new classmates Mary and Rachel on a car commercial, and soon figures out a way to get into their good graces. But the divas of the fourth grade turn out to be the Wicked Witches of the West, as Ophie learns about being true to herself and her true friends. Lee's fine reading offers listeners just enough vocal variety to distinguish among the characters and just enough emotion to emphasize charming Ophie's take on what's important in life. The solid production quality and universal life lessons here make this a welcome addition to any audio library. Ages 8-up. (May)