Trini Alvarado voices young María Luisa, who prefers to be called Malú, in this audiobook about not fitting in. Navigating a cast of diverse characters, from Malú's outspoken mother to her punk rocker father and neighborly Señora Oralia, Alvarado flawlessly tackles a variety of Midwestern and Spanish accents. This vulnerable portrayal of a Hispanic girl meeting life's challenges head-on is given beautiful and realistic tones through Alvarado's calm and collected voice. Music is a part of Malú's soul, and it can be found in the rhythmic way her thoughts progress through the book. In this story of finding yourself, your friends, and your passion, Pérez and Alvarado ensure that every listener ends the story with the confidence to march to the beat of their own drum.
(Fiction. 9-13)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2017
Duration: 5 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781501980411
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Arserio perfectly captures Hafsa’s boldness as she fights for herself and others.
Narrator Shiromi Arserio establishes a determined voice for Hafsa, a Pakistani village girl who longs to attend a summer science camp focused on medicine in the city to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor. At first, her parents firmly reject the idea, but after her sister’s husband insists that Hafsa could stay with them, her father relents. Arserio beautifully portrays Hafsa’s disappointment when she learns that the camp’s topic is climate change instead of medicine, and her resilience when she makes the most of it anyway. When Hafsa takes up the cause of finding a new home with better conditions for an elephant at the local zoo, Arserio’s energetic narration brings the story to life.
Arserio perfectly captures Hafsa’s boldness as she fights for herself and others. (Fiction. 9-13)Pub Date: March 10, 2026
Duration: 4 hrs, 24 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217280414
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: April 7, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2026
A heartfelt audiobook for the entire family to enjoy.
With a youthful voice, Jeff Ebner brings much emotion to this realistic middle-grade novel. Ten-year-old Nathan Savage is consumed with worry that the gigantic pile of trash across the street from his home is about to collapse. He’s even more worried that his father, who works at the top of said pile, is in extreme danger. It’s up to Nathan to devise a flawless plan to save the day. Ebner’s fast-paced, energetic narration moves the action along, engaging young listeners to the very last word.
A heartfelt audiobook for the entire family to enjoy. (Fiction. 10-14)Pub Date: March 10, 2026
Duration: 4 hrs, 55 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217280445
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: April 1, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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