Experiencing the Joy

Yasmin is a teen triplet with one brother dead and the other in jail. Her coming-of-age story is set in the city projects, where she gains renewed confidence after graduating from the eighth grade. However, her newfound self-esteem is tested over the summer because of ongoing family drama and pervasive gang activity. Robin Miles portrays Yasmin and her friends with bright, cheery, age-appropriate voices. Her skilled depiction of family characters--Uncle John, Mr. Mike, Big Momma, Jada, and Yancy--are age and gender appropriate, and often laugh-out-loud funny. Her comical portrayal of Big Momma's Alzheimer's antics is sadly genuine. Miles's narration of African-American culture and accents is well done, though may be difficult to understand for those not familiar with black urban culture. G.D.W. (c) AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine