A teenager's struggles to break free from the denial his family has lived in for years: denial about Paul's mysterious accident, which causes him to wear thick glasses; denial about his father's overwhelming interest in his older brother's football stardom while completely neglecting Paul's life; denial of the futility of his mother's constant efforts to "fit in" and make them all appear normal to the outside world. But when Paul enrolls in Tangerine Middle School, he is given a chance to be someone completely unique for the first time. Told in the first person by Paul, this is a thought-provoking, yet highly readable and entertaining story. Narrator Ramon de Ocampo conveys what it's like to be a teenager, a person with almost no power over his own life, yet full of his own strong beliefs about how things should be. He gives Paul an optimistic voice, making him come across as extremely likable, a person ready to learn and grow from life's experiences. D.G. 2002 YALSA Selection (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2001
Duration: 10 hrs
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Hartsough is well cast in this middle-grade novel.
Sixth grader Margot Stafford is navigating school, family, and a burgeoning interest in art. The perceptive Margot carefully observes those around her and worries about her mom, who suffers from depression and has a concerning new boyfriend. In Eevin Hartsough’s depiction, Margot sounds youthful and reflective, as befits an artistic and caring 12-year-old who is struggling with math as well as with shifting friendships, but who finds new direction working at an art gallery in town. Hartsough capably portrays a full cast of characters, including a vaguely accented teacher; Margot's older brother, Eli; her mom; and a stern neighbor, among others.
Hartsough is well cast in this middle-grade novel. (Fiction. 9-12)Pub Date: July 7, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 28 mins
DD ISBN: 9798898858520
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Aug. 18, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2026
A listen that will work best as a companion to the print book.
Cindy Kay narrates this first in a planned series. The story unfolds with the first meeting of the Skeleton and the Cat. The friendly Cat disturbs the Skeleton's solitary, peaceful home life, hoping to make a friend. Kay employs a perky, lighthearted voice for the Cat. He tries jokes, food, and dancing to make friends with the Skeleton, who does not joke, eat, or dance. She is aloof but never sounds unkind or impatient. As opposites often do, they become friends. Kay's narration is quiet, slow, and comforting, but unfortunately, some of the humor is visual and doesn’t translate to the audiobook.
A listen that will work best as a companion to the print book. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: July 7, 2026
Duration: 9 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063577213
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: July 21, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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