Narrator Lisa Flanagan's quiet, gentle voice invites listeners to tune in to all the happenings in Rosetown, Indiana, in 1972. Nine-year-old Flora is facing change all around her--with new, confident students in her fourth-grade class, with the death of her beloved family dog, with changing friendships, and with shuttling between the homes of her newly separated parents. Flora's solace comes from nestling into the purple chair and reading vintage children's books in the Wing and a Chair Used Book Shop. Flanagan's brisk pacing requires keen attention. She voices all events with equanimity, leaving interpretation to the listener. Yet, as the story's climax nears, Flanagan's verve is present in each character's voice, making it all the more heartfelt.
(Historical fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: May 8, 2018
Duration: 2 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781508255611
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Through Andromeda’s story, young listeners will learn more about the justice system and their rights.
Fifth grader Andromeda Diaz is concerned about her friend, Benji, who has been accused of stealing a valuable watch and is now facing charges. Andi, the daughter of two public defenders, doesn’t believe he committed the crime, and she works to figure out what really happened. Author Almanza, who was herself a public defender, performs her own work enthusiastically. Her narration style is casual, at times not quite nailing the rhythm of the text. While she’s not a professional narrator, her knowledge of the legal process shines through.
Through Andromeda’s story, young listeners will learn more about the justice system and their rights. (Mystery. 8-12)Pub Date: Sept. 8, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 11 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217352364
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Sept. 22, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 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: Nov. 1, 2026
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