Cary Hite and Sisi Aisha Johnson create an astonishing number of distinct characters in this historical fiction based on true stories of escaped enslaved people. Hite voices 12-year-old Homer, who escapes from the Southerland plantation with his younger sister, Ada. He conveys their childish naïveté and wonder when they are rescued and brought to Freewater, a secret community of escaped enslaved people who live hidden deep in a swamp. Hite is just as convincing as the plantation overseer who is hunting for the pair. In alternating chapters, Johnson is engaging as she voices Homer’s friend, Anna, at the plantation; the headstrong, freeborn Sanzi in Freewater, and various members of the plantation owner’s family. Working together, the two narrators bring the historical setting vividly to life.
(Historical fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: Feb. 1, 2022
Duration: 9 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781549163357
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Stribling’s prodigious skill brings Appalachia to life in this heartfelt tale.
Kramer introduces us to the folklore, religion, and power of community in 1970s Appalachia. Amanda Stribling’s stellar narration breathes vibrant life into this fascinating story. With her believable Appalachian accent, she becomes 11-year-old Delilah, who is struggling to find her place in her family and changing community. Listeners hear Delilah’s hurt as her older sister, Eve, once her best friend, seems to be growing away from her, and her patience as she tries to keep wild and impulsive younger sister Jezzie safe. Stribling transitions smoothly to the voice of bombastic, overconfident itinerant preacher Brother Jones, whose revival meetings introduce snake handling, dancing, speaking in tongues, and harsh judgments to the area.
Stribling’s prodigious skill brings Appalachia to life in this heartfelt tale. (Historical fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: June 16, 2026
Duration: 7 hrs, 34 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668196373
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Aug. 18, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2026
Rey’s timeless performance makes this medieval adventure fascinating, frightening, and fun.
Elena Rey holds listeners’ attention firmly in her grasp with her narration of this middle-grade historical fiction. Twelve-year-old Blanca is chosen by her grandmother, Eleanor of Aquitaine, to marry the prince of France. As Blanca travels from Spain, she learns lessons about how to be a queen from Eleanor and lessons about life from the difficult journey. Rey voices young Blanca, Queen Eleanor, and various male characters with equal aplomb. Eleanor sounds imperious and aged; Blanca is assuredly royal yet a still preteen; and the knights are chivalrous, pompous, and a bit overzealous. Rey’s royal harrumphs and sniffs and childish scoffs and whines add to the enjoyable soundscape.
Rey’s timeless performance makes this medieval adventure fascinating, frightening, and fun. (Historical fiction. 9-14)Pub Date: March 24, 2026
Duration: 6 hrs, 51 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217287901
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: April 14, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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