Please Ignore Vera Dietz

Gr 9 Up—A. S. King's 2011 Printz Honor book (Knopf, 2010) is expertly crafted and richly performed primarily by Lynde Houck with additional chapter perspectives narrated by Mark Deakins, Ryan Gesell, and Arthur Morey. Vera Dietz, a high school senior, knows what happened to her best friend, Charlie, the night he died. But she's not ready to face the truth while she's still dealing with the scars from Charlie's betrayal. As Vera tries to move on, she is haunted by varying numbers of ghostly Charlies that she sees, hears, and feels. Charlie wants Vera to tell the truth, clear his name, and forgive him. With chapters reflecting the perspectives of Vera's father, Charlie, and the town's landmark Pagoda, listeners are afforded a more complete picture of the situation than Vera has. As the heartbreaking reality is revealed, listeners will feel Vera's emotions as her perspective begins to subtly change and she moves through the anger, the betrayal, and the guilt. The performers are realistic in their portrayals, audibly exposing each character's vulnerabilities. Listeners will feel the weight being lifted off of Vera's shoulders and her heart in this moving, poignant story that shows how deeply people can both love and hurt each other and ultimately find a level of redemption.—Stephanie A. Squicciarini, Fairport Public Library, NY