the voice on the radia

Gr. 7 -10. Readers will be pleased with this sequel to The Face on the Milk Carton (1990) and Whatever Happened to Janie? (1993). Having the same sense of impending betrayal, it is difficult to put down. Because readers know Janie's betrayer is her boyfriend, Reeve, the one person she trusts unconditionally, the wait for her to discover his treachery is even more suspenseful. Yearning for popularity, Reeve wrangles a job as a deejay at his college radio station but freezes at the mike. Desperate to fill the dead air, he begins to tell Janie's story, fully aware she will never forgive him for it. He spins the story out for several weeks, though, rationalizing that Janie will never know. However, when she accompanies Jodie and Brian on a college visit, the three hear Reeve tell two "janies" and a "hannah." Furious, they confront Reeve, who promises to quit but finds that almost as difficult as his realization that Janie cannot shrug off his actions. Janie unexpectedly discovers strength, the possibility of forgiving Reeve, and real love for the Spring family when she decides to tell Mrs. Spring of Reeve's betrayal. Readers will again enjoy Cooney's skillful use of multiple points of view, and a conclusion that promises real happiness for Janie and her families.