Sunday, June 19, 2011

14. Virals by Kathy Reichs, Narrated by Kristin Milioti (Penguin Audio, 2010)


AUDIO BOOK: SCIENCE FICTION (ages 11-16)

Brief Description: Prepare for an exhilarating ride on a science fiction roller coaster with snarky, brilliant, teenager Tory Brennan. Tory has lost her mom, and is sent to live with her cerebral professor father who knows nothing about her existence. Their strained relationship permits Tory a certain independence allowing her to get involved in much mischief, in the name of what's right. When a beloved wolf/dog puppy she names Cooper goes missing from the island on which her father's lab is located, and when strange Veteran's dog tags are found in a clearing, the mysteries in this story are ramped up to high volume. With her three nerdy science buddies, Hi, Shelton and Ben, this unlikely group seeks to uncover not only the dog tags' owner or the disappearance of "Coop," but a 40-year-old murder as well. Their own lives are threatened as they get a little too snoopy - but who is chasing them?

Awards: None...YET!

Personal Opinion: Notice the listing of both audio book and regular book above. While narrator Krising Mirioti conveys the perfect teen voice of Tory, I simply couldn't "listen" quickly enough and resorted to reading in order to reach the exciting and unexpected climax sooner! Truly, though, Mirioti does a great job with expression in this audio book; it must be listened to if the listener can remain patient! I could not put down this incredibly fast-paced novel of mystery, intrigue, humor, excitement, and suspense.

Programming/Curriculum: This book would work well a part of a study of viruses, and in particular, the parvovirus and how it reacts in dogs.

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