My Louisiana Sky

"It had been the worst summer of my entire life," preteen protagonist Tiger Ann Parker (remarkably portrayed by newcomer Kelsey Keel) allows within the first minute of My Louisiana Sky, this year's recipient of the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Children's Video, based on the award-winning book by Kimberly Willis Holt. Sporting a Southern twang, and a charming uniform of pigtails and overalls, Tiger lives the farm life, learns "auspicious" words from her live-in Granny, and struggles to come to grips with the fact that her parents are developmentally challenged (although just finished with sixth grade, Tiger's mental capacity seems about six years older than that of her parents: Corrina, who simply and sweetly wants to play games, kick rocks, and draw pictures, and Lonnie, a childlike, innocuous gent with a Forrest Gump-like accent). Tiger's recounting of her summer experiences range from lighthearted (such as a hilarious first kiss) to harrowing (coping with the death of her grandmother), with standout visits from sophisticated, polished aunt Dorie Kay (Juliette Lewis). Whether we see her turning on her first TV set ("it's so BIG!" squeals Corrina), staying composed during her mother's clingy (but endearing) antics, or embarking on an exciting trip to Baton Rouge, Tiger is a captivating delight. In the wake of so many Hollywood assembly-line coming-of-age flops, My Louisiana Sky is a refreshing cut above. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. (J. Williams)