The Kite Rider.

THE KITE RIDER. Geraldine Mcaughrean. 2002/2004. Full Cast Audio. 6 cds. 6.75 hrs. 1-932076-38-7. $37.00. Vinyl; plot, author notes. JS*

From the July 2002 KLIATT review of the book: "I would double star this if KLIATT allowed such a thing!.... it's quite amazingly imaginative, exotic, and challenging--and it is in the genre of historical fiction, not fantasy. The kite rider is a 12-year-old boy, living in China in the 13th century, at the time of the Kublai Khan ... The boy rides a kite in a harness, flying high in the sky, making money from the awestruck audience who believe he can commune with their dead ancestors up in the clouds...."

This is a marvelous listening adventure for the entire family. What makes this story an even more spectacular literary event is the recording, which is performed by a cast of 14 actors. The talented troupe makes this comparable to listening to a Broadway play. After the recording the author gives a wonderful account of why and how she wrote this story, providing an interesting footnote to the recording.

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.

*--The asterisk highlights exceptional books.

Sherri Ginsberg, Chapel Hill, NC