Quincy Surasmith narrates this middle reader work of nonfiction, which depicts, in graphic detail, the harrowing rescue of a youth soccer team and their coach, who were stuck in a flooded cave in Thailand. The narrative swings from emotional tension when the author focuses on the boys or their parents to tactical precision when she explains the inner workings of the cave system. Surasmith navigates these changes expertly in his narration. The technical aspects of the audiobook sound like they are delivered by a serious geography teacher. When the action of the rescue ratchets up, Surasmith narrates with an exasperation that makes listeners feel like they too are trapped in the cave. This informative, engaging yet pithy audiobook is suitable for all audiences.
(Nonfiction. 10-15)Pub Date: Oct. 13, 2020
Duration: 4 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781713547792
Publisher: Brilliance Audio/ Candlewick
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This heartfelt story full of family, friendship, leadership, and belonging is sure to be a home run with young sports fans.
It was supposed to be the best summer ever for 12-year-old Trip, but his plans go awry in this production expertly narrated by Jeff Ebner. This is Trip’s last year to play baseball with his dad’s coaching and his best friends on his team. Ebner captures Trip’s disappointment when he learns his dad’s military unit is being deployed to a remote location. Trip feels extra pressure both at home, when his mother tasks him with supervising his younger sisters and aging grandfather, and on the field, where his slot as team manager is tenuous. And then a new girl player sparks discord within the team. Ebner captures Trip’s turmoil in this first-person account of rising to meet unexpected challenges.
This heartfelt story full of family, friendship, leadership, and belonging is sure to be a home run with young sports fans. (Fiction. 9-13)Pub Date: May 5, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 16 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217411191
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: July 7, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2026
Edwards gives a soulful performance.
Young Juniper visits her grandmother's house, where Grandma tells her about their ancestors from Africa and their practice of hoodoo. Together, Juniper and Grandma tend to the garden, go for walks in the woods, attend church, create herb-filled mojo bags, and visit the cemetery to place offerings for their ancestors, whom Grandma says are always with them. Narrator Janina Edwards conveys Grandma’s wisdom with an earthy and relaxed narration, expressing a clear connection with the natural world, a refuge for both of them. Edwards also handily portrays Juniper's sense of wonder as she navigates this spiritual connection, inspiring listeners to pay attention to the world around them.
Edwards gives a soulful performance. (Picture book. 6-8)Pub Date: April 7, 2026
Duration: 13 mins
DD ISBN: 9798349168703
Publisher: Dreamscape
Review Posted Online: June 2, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: today
© 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.
