The Cruisers: A Star Is Born

Gr 5–8—The Cruisers—Zander Scott, LaShonda Powell, Bobbi McCall, and Kambui Owens—eighth graders working on the alternative newspaper, The Cruiser, at Harlem's Da Vinci Academy for gifted and talented students, return in Walter Dean Myers's third book (Scholastic, 2012) in the series. LaShonda is excited, having just received a scholarship to the Virginia Woolf Society Program for Young Ladies as a result of the costumes she designed for a play written by and put on by the Cruisers. Upon completion of the program, LaShonda will be eligible for further financial assistance at a prestigious college. But a problem arises—acceptance of the scholarship means being separated from her autistic brother. The primary focus of the story is on how LaShonda, with the help of her fellow Cruisers, grapples with this dilemma and tries to find an acceptable solution. As with the previous books in the series, Myers touches lightly on several serious issues, such as poverty and intolerance of Muslim attire. Some of these issues are addressed through essays, opinions, and poems that appear in The Cruiser as well as the school's official newspaper, The Palette. Catchy music begins and concludes each chapter. Depending on the circumstances, Kevin Free's narration is humorous, serious, or sarcastic. Enough background information is provided so that listeners can easily follow along if they are unfamiliar with the previous titles. An entertaining, thought-provoking, and well-paced audio presentation.—Mary Oluonye, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH