For almost as long as she can remember, Rosa, as she has come to be called, has been traveling with the man she calls "Uncle." As they journey from one Guatemalan town to another and scrimp out a living through trickery, the real story of this fine young girl unfolds. Rosa has a core of strength that buoys her as she listens to the Day-Keeper, who foretells the good fortune that Rosa will bring to Señor Om but also warns of the dangers ahead. As Ann Cameron brings her listener close to Rosa's intimate feelings, she also details everyday life in Guatemala as seen through Rosa's eyes--from bus travel to jacaranda trees to sandal styles to the serenity of the onion-picking family--and provides a window on Rosa's reactions. The delicate and firm presentation of Jacqueline Kim adds to the closeness. Her empathy for Rosa as she fights for her life is clear--there is little distance between narrator and heroine. This is a powerful recording.
Ages 10+Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2004
Duration: 4 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 1400085373
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A mismatch between performer and text.
Fleischman’s 1987 Newbery-winning classic comes to listeners in a new edition read by Ralph Lister. Appropriately for this story of injustice—the title character’s function is to receive the punishments richly earned by the aptly nicknamed Prince Brat—Lister leans into British class-coded accents for his interpretation. Using a vaguely northern lilt for the third-person narration, Lister voices whipping boy Jemmy with a cockney twang and Prince Brat with hoity-toity upper-crust nasality. Unfortunately, for neither boy does the gravelly voiced performer attempt any youthful lightness, and Jemmy’s twang often makes him sound whinier than Prince Brat. The story is fast-paced and broadly comedic but not without nuance; however, Lister’s forceful delivery threatens to overwhelm its quieter, more contemplative moments.
A mismatch between performer and text. (Historical fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: July 21, 2026
Duration: 1 hr, 47 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063511934
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: yesterday
Hartsough is well cast in this middle-grade novel.
Sixth grader Margot Stafford is navigating school, family, and a burgeoning interest in art. The perceptive Margot carefully observes those around her and worries about her mom, who suffers from depression and has a concerning new boyfriend. In Eevin Hartsough’s depiction, Margot sounds youthful and reflective, as befits an artistic and caring 12-year-old who is struggling with math as well as with shifting friendships, but who finds new direction working at an art gallery in town. Hartsough capably portrays a full cast of characters, including a vaguely accented teacher; Margot's older brother, Eli; her mom; and a stern neighbor, among others.
Hartsough is well cast in this middle-grade novel. (Fiction. 9-12)Pub Date: July 7, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 28 mins
DD ISBN: 9798898858520
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Aug. 18, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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