Narrator Marissa Czyz establishes youthful, high-pitched voices for 7-year-old Stella and her 4-year-old sister, Marigold. From the moment Stella met her new baby sister, she promised to tell her all about the world. Stella and Marigold have all kinds of adventures in their home and community as they learn and grow, sometimes even getting into squabbles with their parents. Czyz's narration perfectly reflects the sweet stories of these two sisters and their family. Young fans of realistic fiction will relate to Stella and Marigold and be drawn to their imaginative and joyful personalities. This is a charming story about the importance of family, friends, and community.
(Early chapter book. 6-9)Pub Date: Oct. 8, 2024
Duration: 1 hr
DD ISBN: 9798894863238
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A solid production with moments of real tension and conflict.
Skillful narration breathes life into Newbery-winner Keller’s tale of middle-grade angst, fate, friendship, climate change, and social media. In chapters told from the viewpoints of Nomi, Vi, and Arthur, each narrator delivers a nuanced, emotional, well-paced performance. Annie Q. Riegel imbues shy Vi with hurt and innocence as she experiences her first crush and regrets a poor choice. Sara Matsui-Colby injects focus and self-assurance into Nomi’s obsession with a book of “prophesies.” Eddy Lee captures Arthur’s reserved nature, which restrains him from supporting Vi and expressing his feelings for Nomi. The poetic prophecies of the Greek chorus, warmly delivered by Emily Woo Zeller, convey details that are unknown to the characters.
A solid production with moments of real tension and conflict. (Fiction. 10-14)Pub Date: March 3, 2026
Duration: 6 hrs, 3 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217156979
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: tomorrow
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2026
Lawrence enthusiastically portrays Cora and her friends in this fast-paced historical-fiction adventure.
Narrator Emily Lawrence creates a determined voice for Cora, who is desperately trying to survive the tragic 1906 earthquake in San Francisco with her two friends Chi and Oliver. Lawrence captures Cora’s tumultuous emotions as she and Chi are buried in rubble following the disaster and saved by her forbidden friend Oliver. Despite the bitter feud between their parents, Cora and Oliver work together to try to find her family as fire keeps spreading throughout their beloved city, all while running from bullies who are after Cora. Lawrence makes each character unique and adds a slight Irish accent for Oliver.
Lawrence enthusiastically portrays Cora and her friends in this fast-paced historical-fiction adventure. (Historical fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: March 3, 2026
Duration: 7 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9798225033521
Publisher: Scholastic Audio
Review Posted Online: Feb. 17, 2026
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