Whelan, Gloria. Listening for lions.

WHELAN, Gloria. Listening for lions. Read by Bianca Amato. 4 cds. 4.75 hrs. Recorded Books. 2005/2006. 1-4193-9410-x. $49.75. Vinyl; plot notes. JS*

Amato's light cultured British voice does justice to a good, wholesome old-fashioned tale about a young woman with gumption, morals, and a strong desire to become a doctor and rebuild a hospital in Africa. Rachel Sheridan is the daughter of missionaries who run a hospital in Africa in the early part of the 20th century. During the influenza epidemic of 1919 both parents die. Rachel is sent to live with the Pritchards. who have lost their daughter Valerie. As Rachel has red hair and Valerie had red hair, the greedy, nasty Pritchards prevail on Rachel to take Valerie's place and visit her wealthy grandfather in England in order to put the Pritchards back in his good graces and back in his will. The African and British scenes are replete with details of landscape, wildlife, and enchanting human beings. Every good thing a reader would want to happen to Rachel does and the Pritchards are roundly defeated by a grandfather not as sick or weak as they had hoped. Mary Purucker, Beverly Hills PL, Beverly Hills, CA

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

S--Recommend for senior high school students.

*--The asterisk highlights exceptional books.