In this middle-grade story, undoubtedly inspired by the early feminist story titled "The Yellow Wallpaper" (1892), Eva Kaminsky depicts Violet, an easygoing preteen who's only slightly uncomfortable about moving into the strange attic bedroom of her family's new home. Change is everywhere for Violet--in her family, her new school, and her friends. Kaminsky reflects the uncertainty that creeps into Violet's voice when she witnesses her two best friends' cruelty at a sleepover. When she becomes ill, her fixation on the scary yellow wallpaper in her room is convincing. Her fear becomes palpable as her weakness and fatigue intensify, as do the listener's compassion for her and disgust with those who discount her experiences. Eventually, Violet takes on a ghost-like figure, terrifyingly rendered by Kaminsky.
(Paranormal. 8-12)Pub Date: Jan. 16, 2024
Duration: 6 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063350779
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A not-too-scary horror audiobook.
Dan Bittner gives a polished performance of Stine’s middle-grade horror novel, narrating with melodramatic flair and dramatic pauses at the end of each cliffhanger chapter. When the Ferber family moves into a creepy old house on Nightmare Street, Joe’s parents are oblivious to the scary things happening in the house. In a parallel story, the Hannigan family moves into the same house, where Shawn has different creepy experiences. Both Joe and Shawn have nightmares in which they encounter horror tropes—headstones, a creepy rag doll, a looping camera, a ventriloquist’s dummy, and masked teachers—in their house and at school. Bittner’s pacing works well, and fans of the Goosebumps series will enjoy the familiar shivers and tongue-in-cheek humor.
A not-too-scary horror audiobook.Pub Date: April 18, 2026
Duration: 2 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9798228588288
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Review Posted Online: April 7, 2026
Amoss’ performance makes this an extraordinary listen.
Sophie Amoss flawlessly narrates this splendid middle-grade audiobook set in New Orleans. Twelve-year-old Basil is shocked when the ghost of her Grandpere—who founded their family’s Cajun restaurant—appears at his own funeral and asks her to visit the bayou where he grew up. When Basil and her energetically rendered friend Tommy discover that the bayou has suffered from damaging erosion, they decide to work to save it. Spirited descriptions of family, friendship, the environment, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of life in a restaurant add atmosphere. A moving, beautiful author’s note includes ways for listeners to help save Louisiana’s coast.
Amoss’ performance makes this an extraordinary listen. (Paranormal. 8-12)Pub Date: March 24, 2026
Duration: 6 hrs, 41 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063325463
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: April 28, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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