The Murder of Bindy Mackenzie

Gr 7 Up—Stellar student Bindy Mackenzie is determined to make year 11 the best ever. It will secure her place for the future and she will continue on to scholastic stardom. When school starts, Bindy hits a snag. Rather than the highly anticipated free period for studying, she must now attend a weekly FAD (Friendship and Development) group meeting at her Australian high school. The teacher attempts to draw Bindy into the group, but bad feelings between Bindy and the more popular kids intercede. As Bindy feels more alienated and attacked by the group, her behavior becomes irrational and erratic. When she finally breaks down, the group begins to suspect that Bindy's behavior may be attributed to something more sinister than just a mental breakdown. Could she be ingesting poison? Jacklyn Moriarty presents Bindy's story (Arthur A. Levine Books, 2006) through diary entries, school assignments, emails, and more. Susan Lyons does a stellar job narrating Bindy's descent into madness. When Bindy is no longer able to tell her own story, Anushka Carter Paris takes over the narration, bringing a very different vibe to the production. On some occasions, the style of the written text is not apparent in audio format. Both narrators give a wonderful performance, enhancing a clever book. Although this title can stand alone, it is recommended for purchase by libraries circulating the previous two titles.—Jessica Miller, New Britain Public Library, CT