Stravaganza: City of Stars.

STRAVAGANZA: CITY OF STARS. Mary Hoffman. 2003/2004. Read by Kathe Mazur. 8 tapes. 12 hrs. Listening Library, Random House Audio. 1-4000-9479-8. $37.00. Vinyl; plot, reader, author notes. JSA 

Georgia's life in contemporary London is not to her liking: her nasty stepbrother, Russell, seems to live to make her life miserable, and she doesn't fit in at school; riding horses is her only real pleasure. She purchases an antique miniature horse at an antique shop, puts it in her pocket before sleep--and finds herself transported to 16th-century Talia (a parallel version of our Italy of the same period). "Stravagating" at night while asleep in our world, she becomes involved in intrigues and horse races, and meets a boy she recognizes from her world. Her adventures there give her more confidence when she returns to her own world during the day. There is excitement and suspense, along with some well-developed characters (Georgia and Falco), although minor characters are not as fully fleshed out. Mazur narrates with a fresh energy and empathy that are ideal for the material. Her Talian accents are graceful and effective, and she does well with both male and female characterizations. Although this is the middle book in the fantasy trilogy that begins with Stravaganza: City of Masks, this delightful novel can stand alone. Melody Moxley, Admin. Svcs. Mgr., Rowan PL, Salisbury, NC

J--Recommended for junior high school students. The contents are of particular interest to young adolescents and their teachers.

S--Recommended for senior high school students.

A--Recommended for advance students and adults. This code will help librarians and teacher working in high schools where there are honors and advanced placement students. This also will help extend KLIATT's usefulness in public libraries.