The First State of Being — Erin Kelly

Ramón de Ocampo offers a charming performance of this middle-grade fiction with a touch of science fiction. Michael and his crush, Gibby, run into Ridge, a strange boy who soon reveals he's visiting from the future. The year is 1999, and with the threat of Y2K brewing, the kids come together and bond through their doomsday planning. De Ocampo's flexible narration moves between many characters smoothly. The performance is quite wholesome and adds brightness to the trio as they navigate their emotions and learn the importance of family. De Ocampo's portrayal of Michael is thoughtful and sometimes anxious, but listeners will find his development when befriending the carefree Ridge to be rewarding. G.M. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine