Cal Ripkin, Jr., is an author who excels at reading his own work. The story gives inspiration to American families today who are facing financial difficulties. Young Connor Sullivan plays Babe Ruth baseball—and loves it. He's an outstanding athlete who isn't cocky and usually keeps his cool. However, after his dad loses his job and life at home becomes trying, Connor begins to lose his temper. As narrator, Ripkin captures the family, team, manager, and Connor himself as he tries to cope with the complications that follow his meltdowns. In addition, there’s a glimpse of first love between Connor and a girl, also well rendered, who cheers him on. A fascinating interview with Ripkin concludes this enjoyable book.
Ages 8+Pub Date: March 8, 2011
Duration: 3 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780307916457
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Ken Coleman's expertise as a baseball announcer enriches this history of the Boston Red Sox since the sale of Babe Ruth to the N.Y. Yankees. He leads off with a grim account of this transaction, which started the curse that has plagued the Red Sox ever since. The sermon-like tone will amuse non-believers and comfort listeners who are certain the team is cursed. Like the ups and downs of Boston's play through the years, the narrator's voice fluctuates--exuberant and then despondent--in tone and tempo accurately reflecting the mood of any given baseball season. The narrator is very successful at conveying the emotional roller coaster ride Red Sox fans have endured as a result of the curse of the Bambino.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: HighBridge Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A relatable and heartwarming story given an extra kick by Meskimen’s fine performance.
Taylor Meskimen perfectly captures the sweet, confused teen at the center of this novel. Grace is laser focused on winning “Eighth-Grade Top Scholar,” and she gets a bit lost when she misses by the smallest of margins. She spends the summer plowing through a to-do list she develops with her sister and cousin: Make a new friend, take a writing class, run with a boy she likes, babysit her father’s girlfriend’s young son. Nothing goes to plan but all prove to be opportunities to find her place in the world. Meskimen’s narration expresses the joy of a first kiss, the angst of being misunderstood, and the physical pain of shin splints.
A relatable and heartwarming story given an extra kick by Meskimen’s fine performance. (Fiction. 10-14)Pub Date: April 14, 2026
Duration: 7 hrs, 29 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217409839
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: June 23, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 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.
