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THINGS THAT ARE

Clements has a gift for creating likable kids, so listeners will most likely be able to forgive the farfetched plot in this follow-up to THINGS NOT SEEN. Jennifer Ikeda nails her portrayal of Alicia, a blind teenager who befriends Bobby, a young man she bumps into at the library—who just happens to be invisible. Ikeda does a superb job portraying Alicia's struggle with her blindness, the emotions of first love, and her fear when Bobby inadvertently brings home another invisible man. Ikeda’s heartfelt emotions as Alicia ponders her first kiss, practicing on her own arm, sound completely real and poignant. Somehow it all works—the characters are so charming listeners can't help rooting for them.

Ages 10+

Pub Date: Feb. 4, 2009

Duration: 4 hrs, 30 mins

Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.

Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026

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    HEIRESS OF NOWHERE

    Chin’s narration balances a dramatic, fast-moving plot with lush descriptions and poignant historical details.

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    Katharine Chin masterfully conveys the many tensions of Lucy’s story. Found in a canoe floating to Orcas Island off the coast of Washington state and raised by a kindly benefactor, Lucy has always wondered about her parents and her heritage. She’s planning on heading off to college to make a fresh start—until she comes upon her benefactor’s severed head and is named heir of his estate. Chin’s propulsive narration plunges listeners into Lucy’s search to solve the murder and uncover the secrets of her origin; explain her connection with animals, including orcas; determine whom she truly loves; and find her place in the world.

    Chin’s narration balances a dramatic, fast-moving plot with lush descriptions and poignant historical details. (Historical mystery. 12-18)

    Pub Date: March 17, 2026

    Duration: 11 hrs, 22 mins

    DD ISBN: 9781668160121

    Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio

    Review Posted Online: April 7, 2026

    Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2026

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      PARADISE COAST

      But the dual narration works in the story, with its class-system clashes and race to find the truth.

      Young’s YA thriller pits blue-collar locals (“Chasers”) against wealthy visitors (“the Collective”) in a coastal Florida community. Teens of both groups clash, though Jamie and Noa find themselves embroiled in what turns out to be a murder mystery involving their relatives. Ali Andre Ali and Kimberly Woods perform Jamie and Noa’s narratives. Ali in particular captures the assortment of characters well, with a good mix of voices on both sides of the Chaser/Collective divide. Woods has a very young-sounding voice, and she doesn’t distinguish between older and younger characters as deftly.

      But the dual narration works in the story, with its class-system clashes and race to find the truth. (Thriller. 13-18)

      Pub Date: Feb. 24, 2026

      Duration: 10 hrs, 25 mins

      DD ISBN: 9781668160039

      Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio

      Review Posted Online: May 26, 2026

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