Narrator Sura Siu exudes an irrepressible spirit as she leads a full cast through this celebration of community for middle-grade listeners. When Kacie arrives home after a summer away to find her best friend, Nisha, absent and Nisha's dad's convenience store all boarded up, she is hurt and angry. It falls to the "bench grandpas" in the park to help her understand that change is inevitable--and that she can be a positive part of that change. Just six other actors bring this vibrant, diverse neighborhood to life as they smoothly slip into a wide variety of roles and accents to welcome young listeners to Mercer Street. Unobtrusive sound cues signal flashbacks, while peppy music functions as chapter breaks. The story is as full of heart as Kacie herself.
(Graphic/fiction hybrid. 7-10)Pub Date: April 2, 2024
Duration: 1 hr, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781546117872
Publisher: Scholastic Audiobooks
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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
A listen that will work best as a companion to the print book.
Cindy Kay narrates this first in a planned series. The story unfolds with the first meeting of the Skeleton and the Cat. The friendly Cat disturbs the Skeleton's solitary, peaceful home life, hoping to make a friend. Kay employs a perky, lighthearted voice for the Cat. He tries jokes, food, and dancing to make friends with the Skeleton, who does not joke, eat, or dance. She is aloof but never sounds unkind or impatient. As opposites often do, they become friends. Kay's narration is quiet, slow, and comforting, but unfortunately, some of the humor is visual and doesn’t translate to the audiobook.
A listen that will work best as a companion to the print book. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: July 7, 2026
Duration: 9 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063577213
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: July 21, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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