In this biography of Helen Keller, narrator Eileen Stevens performs in a dual role. She is both a straightforward, compassionate narrator and then shifts to the point of view of Helen Keller herself, speaking through quotes from Helen's autobiography. Through alternating passages, listeners hear a specific experience and then hear Helen's response to that experience. The biography includes scenes of the early days of throwing spoons at the breakfast table, the moment of feeling water flowing from a pump and feeling the word spelled in her hand, writing on a board with grooves, and feeling the changes of a plant's growth as well as Helen's later years of higher education and public speaking. Helen's goal of making the world a better place for all is clear. The production concludes with notes from both author Doreen Rappaport and illustrator Matt Tavares.
(Picture books/biography. 6-10)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2016
Duration: 20 mins
Publisher: Weston Woods Studios
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
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
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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