Narrator John Clarence Stewart perfectly captures this painful yet joyous story featuring the biological son of a dedicated foster mother. Eleven-year-old Jarrett is accustomed to the babies his mother frequently cares for, but he's unhappy when 12-year-old Kevon accompanies one of the babies. Stewart deftly portrays Jarrett's kindness to the babies, his many friendships, his pent-up anger towards Kevon, and his sweet crush on Caprice. He also conveys the warmth and gorgeous Guyanan accent of Jarrett's mom; her caring boyfriend, Terrence; and Jarrett's spirited best friend, Ennis. Stewart is quite scary when Jarrett "spies" on Kevon to learn about his background. Young listeners will ache for Jarrett when he must repeat fifth grade in this genuine work of realistic fiction.
(Fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2014
Duration: 6 hrs
Publisher: ListenUp Audiobooks
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Live Oak Media recently caught our attention with this new read-along book and cassette program. We listened first, and were so delighted we couldn't wait to get the book. The picture book made the experience even better, but the audio recordings was strong and vibrant by itself. THE GARDENER, Sarah Stewart's Depression-era story of a young girl sent to live with her Uncle Jim in the city has a sweet, wistful quality with narration alone, but coupled with David Small's soft-edged pencil illustration, it's a total delight. The reading is repeated on both sides of the tape, one with and without page-turning signals.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: N/A
Publisher: Live Oak Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
The plot, performances, and production are funny and engaging and make Pedro’s world feel vibrant and full.
This full cast audio rendition of a graphic memoir conveys the energy and brightness of that visual medium. The story recounts Pedro’s challenging but hopeful and humorous childhood as a migrant farmworker in the U.S., growing up with dreams of a life in the arts. Sound effects and musical interludes punctuate the narrative. Plates rattle as an earthquake shakes a restaurant, and birds sing in the bushes on a berry farm as Pedro’s family works. The animated performances by this large cast, especially the boyish voice of Oscar Emmanuel Fabela as Pedro, are perfect to hook preteen listeners—and adults, too.
The plot, performances, and production are funny and engaging and make Pedro’s world feel vibrant and full. (Graphic memoir. 10-16)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2026
Duration: 3 hrs, 38 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217349708
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Sept. 22, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: yesterday
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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