Team Seven

Gr 9 Up—Andre Battel is coming of age on the basketball court while his mother is constantly reminding him that he is "a cut above the rest." The story follows him as he matures into a young adult. Unfortunately, his dad's bad habits and the influence of the local street gang pull him into dealing drugs and getting high. Arnell Powell will convince listeners that he is no stranger to the streets, helping the listener understand the tainted education that Andre is gaining. Powell's voice is intense but doesn't outshine fellow narrators Simone Cook and James Shippy. Cook voices Andre's struggling mother. Careful listeners will hear the difference between Shippy and Powell as Shippy voices the other male characters. Andre's drug experiences are only half the story as the plot builds to a life-changing incident. Listeners will be satisfied to find that Andre is learning to think for himself. The strong street language adds to the authenticity and will not disappoint fans of urban fiction.—Karen Alexander, Lake Fenton High School, Linden, MI