THE OUTCASTS OF 19 SCHUYLER PLACE

Ringwald, who knows a thing or two about portraying teen girls dealing with big life issues, is a fine choice to narrate the story of wise-beyond-her-years Margaret Rose's 12th summer. In a tone that's blasé and disaffected when warranted, yet emotionally resonant and passionate in all the right places, Ringwald effectively brings listeners to Margaret's world. When her parents take a long summer vacation to Peru, Margaret is sent to Camp Talequa. But the mean and childish pranks of her bunkmates and the camp's cheery emphasis on "crafts-on-demand and Mother Nature" have Margaret refusing to participate in any activities. The unhappy camper is grudgingly granted a reprieve by the camp and spends the rest of the vacation with her eccentric and artistic great uncles. Margaret soon finds herself in the middle of a battle to preserve the tower sculptures—made of clockworks, porcelain, crystal and scrap metal—her uncles have built in their backyard over the past 45 years. Ringwald's solid work ensures that listeners will find much to like in Konigsburg's latest story of smart and memorable characters. Ages 10-up. (Feb.)