Starred Review Published in 1974 and considered a "modern classic," Danziger's novel about overweight teenager Marcy Lewis is an excellent choice for a multicast performance. The story contains lots of dialogue and characters with distinct personalities. Written during an era when calling oneself "Ms." was radical, principals unilaterally suspended students, and adults routinely smoked cigars and cigarettes, the story holds up amazingly well. The shining star in this production is Caitlin Brodnick, who plays Marcy to perfection. She never overplays her role as the bright teenager whose self-image is so low that she refuses to participate in gym class because she doesn't want others to see her in a gym suit. The other youthful actors encer Murphy, who reads the part of Joel Anderson, and Katie Reed, as Nancy Sheridan e believable as well. Except for Marcy's younger brother, whose babylike speech seems a bit unnatural, all characters come off as credible and authentic, including Marcy's put-upon mother and Ms. Finney, the beloved teacher who is suspended for refusing to say the "Pledge of Allegiance." Piano-music interludes announce chapter changes. Concluding remarks by the late Danziger, in which she tells how she came to write this debut novel, elevate this sterling 2005 Selected Audiobooks for Young Adults choice.

Gr 4-7-Misunderstood, overweight, and convinced that she'll never get a date, Marcy Lewis wants nothing more than to be "normal." Her admiration and defense of Ms. Finney, an outspoken English teachers with the courage of her convictions, provides a way for Marcy to reexamine what's imporant to her and to stand up for what she believes. First published in 1974, Paula Danziger's compassionate and accurate portrayal of a young girl struggling to find her own voice rings as true today as it did 30 years ago. A full cast brings this modern American classic of teenage angst t life with humor and pathos. In an afterword, Danziger explains how she came to write this novel.-Cindy Lombardo, Tuscarawas County Public Library, New Philadelphia, OH Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.