André Santana flawlessly re-creates gentle Will's school and home life in Oakwood, Georgia--where everyone knows everyone whether they're students, jocks, or gamers. Will begins to feel exhausted and nauseous after playing soccer; soon he's diagnosed with Crohn's disease. The story's superbly rendered first-person viewpoint draws in listeners as it reveals Will's relationships with his family members, classmates, and church community. Descriptive doctor visits and embarrassing symptoms are heartbreaking and may be familiar to some. Will is Santana's standout character; a close second is Griffin, who introduces Will to the joys of playing Mirror Realm on video. When Will observes his teammates' homophobia, he questions his life and his relationships. There are no easy answers, but this beguiling audiobook speaks to kids, parents, and others.
(Fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: June 6, 2023
Duration: 5 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063228740
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Ruby will win listeners over with her unique point of view.
Kate Coventry brings Ruby Emmerson, a middle school student with learning differences, to realistic, vibrant life. She and her twin brother, Bryce, have been accepted at the rigorous Benton Academy, where standards are high and failure is not tolerated. Even after getting extra help, Ruby fails a math test she worked hard to pass. When she anonymously posts online about her frustration in being “the mango among the lovebirds,” she’s surprised to discover she’s not the only student struggling. Coventry captures Ruby’s helplessness, anger, and eventual courage and determination as she misses her old friends at the neighborhood school, tries to fit in at Benton, and fights for the support all students need.
Ruby will win listeners over with her unique point of view. (Fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: April 14, 2026
Duration: 4 hrs, 18 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668658390
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: May 5, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2026
Naeymi’s narration is both raw and triumphant.
Samara Naeymi beautifully narrates this middle-grade novel about an Iranian American girl. Bullied by her classmates for her frizzy hair and thick eyebrows and criticized by her mother for her weight, Yasmin struggles to be her authentic self in a world that tells her she's not good enough. There are many different perspectives in this story, and Naeymi is true to each: Yasmin’s judgmental mother, with her Persian accent and steely belief in her own harsh parenting; the ruthless teenagers whose hurtful comments cause emotional harm; the younger brother concerned for his sister's unhappiness; and the tried-and-true best friend.
Naeymi’s narration is both raw and triumphant. (Fiction. 10-14)Pub Date: March 24, 2026
Duration: 4 hrs, 51 mins
DD ISBN: 9798349114861
Publisher: Dreamscape
Review Posted Online: April 28, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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