Booklist Reviews - Audio And Video Online Reviews 1991-2018

*Starred Review* Six kids are sent to the ARTT room ("A Room to Talk") for an hour at the end of every Friday. There are no adults allowed, and they are free to speak their minds. At first, it is kind of awkward, but they quickly realize that they are in a safe space where they can share their thoughts, feelings, and fears. From the student who lost a parent only to have another incarcerated to a student who has a father taken by ICE, Harbor Me is a necessary book that thoughtfully portrays true-to-life characters. The audiobook is narrated by a full cast. The voices are genuine and the narration immersive from the beginning, fully transporting the listener to the ARTT room as the discussions take place. Accents are used authentically and only when needed to bring the listener further into the story. As a bonus to the listener, the author voices Ms. Laverne, and it is clear that Woodson has as much love, respect, and compassion for these students as their teacher does. Woodson's daughter (Toshi Widoff-Woodson) voices one of the students (Holly) as well. Readers will want to listen all the way through to the end of the audio for an appended interview between Woodson and her son, Jackson-Leroi—it is charming. The pair discusses the book and why Woodson wrote it, and Jackson-Leroi even gives some audiobook recommendations. A true family affair. A story and an audio experience that are simultaneously timely and timeless. Grades 5-8. Copyright 2019 Booklist Reviews.