Curtis Michael Holland's delivery conveys the anxiety and innocence of sixth grader Ziggy, whose mother is missing. He believes the Nunnehi spirits that live in the desert caves have helpful information, so he and a group of teens search for them one night. In doing so, they come across a menagerie of creatures with ties to Cherokee legends who tell stories that add meaning to Ziggy's quest. Holland's depiction of Ziggy emphasizes his character with a slower cadence and a sense of awe as he navigates the characters he meets on this fantastical night. Subtle shifts in pace and tone help define each character. Overall, Holland's evenness brings the right amount of gravity to the themes in this novel.
(Fiction. 9-12)Pub Date: May 2, 2023
Duration: 5 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781339004761
Publisher: Scholastic Audiobooks
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Convincing advice on putting the phone down.
Authors Haidt and Price, along with a variety of voices representing today's youth, team up to deliver an empowering argument for why it's beneficial for kids and teens to turn away from smartphones and social media. In a relatable tone, Haidt and Price explain the history of smartphones and the research behind the pitfalls of social media. They make compelling points about how apps can cause us to waste time, and they offer smart advice specific to their young audience on how not to fall for the trap of social media, along with ideas for how they might spend their time instead. The selection of different young voices sharing their opinions and experiences on nixing apps further validates and supports the positive aspects of using social media less.
Convincing advice on putting the phone down. (Nonfiction. 9-12)Pub Date: Dec. 30, 2025
Duration: 7 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798217169436
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: March 10, 2026
Xe Sands's strong narration reflects the promise in the title of this children's audio on the topic of a parent's serious illness. Her variations on the refrain "love stays strong" serve as a continual affirmation throughout, and her tender tone sounds like she's addressing an adored child. Sands's lyrical cadences emphasize changes in the natural world and how the seasons' turns relate to the changes illness brings. She compares the miracle of how "a few drops of honey can fuel a bee's flight around the world" to the power provided by a child's love. The tone, tempo, and images of this audiobook make for a reassuring listen. The afterword shows the author's range of expertise as she gently offers advice on how adults can comfort children and aid their understanding of a loved one's illness.
Ages 4-6Pub Date: Sept. 2, 2025
Duration: 5 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217081561
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
