Kate Rudd's narration embraces the longing of 11-year-old Gusta. In 1941, her German-born father, a union organizer, has fled government agents, and her mother has gone to work in New York City, leaving Gusta is in the care of a grandmother she's never known. Rudd expresses the pride and cruelty of the people, young and old, in the small Maine town where Gusta's grandmother lives. In contrast, she voices the compassion of teachers and family as well as the cheer created by the orphans whom her grandmother is also raising. Gusta's brave, determined character comes to the fore as she finds her footing, forms a small musical group, and compassionately stands up for those who face prejudice. The strong theme of social justice makes this a great family listen.
(Historical fiction. 11-14)Pub Date: April 10, 2018
Duration: 9 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781543687491
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Live Oak Media recently caught our attention with this new read-along book and cassette program. We listened first, and were so delighted we couldn't wait to get the book. The picture book made the experience even better, but the audio recordings was strong and vibrant by itself. THE GARDENER, Sarah Stewart's Depression-era story of a young girl sent to live with her Uncle Jim in the city has a sweet, wistful quality with narration alone, but coupled with David Small's soft-edged pencil illustration, it's a total delight. The reading is repeated on both sides of the tape, one with and without page-turning signals.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: N/A
Publisher: Live Oak Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Mirai's renderings of Kestrel, her family, and fellow workers at the institute thoughtfully depict the protagonists' growth.
Kestrel and her mother leave the home in California they share with Kestrel's grandfather, a pastor, to stay at a wildlife conservation institute in Montana. Narrator Mirai's youthful voice is a natural fit for this story of a young girl who at first resents being tricked into leaving California, but who later comes to realize that moving away from their strict home life was the right choice. Mirai employs distinctive voices for the adults, like Kestrel's stern grandfather and her uncertain mother, who begins gaining confidence. An author's note at the end discusses emotional abuse and how to find help.
Mirai's renderings of Kestrel, her family, and fellow workers at the institute thoughtfully depict the protagonists' growth. (Verse fiction. 9-14)Pub Date: May 26, 2026
Duration: 2 hrs, 42 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668175507
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: July 14, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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