Audio of the Week: Bindi Babes (unabr.)
RSSFrom SLJ December 2004
Jennifer Iserman, Dakota County Library, Burnhaven Branch, Eagen, MN -- School Library Journal, 12/20/2004
3 cassettes. 4:21 hrs, Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2004. ISBN 1-4000-8539-X. $30.
Gr 4-7-Actress Nina Wadia adeptly performs Narinder Dhami's modern tale of three young Indian sisters living in England who are trying to cope with the recent death of their beloved mother (Delacorte, 2004). A year after the tragedy, their father's sister arrives to help the family cope. The sisters find her presence unbearably interfering and so plot together to find ways to compel Auntie to leave. Wadia's voice is pitch-perfect for the narrative voice of 12-year-old Amber. Since the author's writing makes it clear who is speaking, subtle tone changes are often all the narrator uses to represent different characters. Younger listeners may find Indian cultural references ("Bollywood") and some British terms ( "trainers" for sneakers) confusing. The blend of humor, Indian culture, and the concerns of today's teens make this a fun read for middle schoolers.
