Almarie Guerra does a particularly good job of capturing the characters' feelings in this emotional story. She depicts Wendy's passion for science, as well as her reactions to her family's fear of friends disappearing because of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement). Guerra projects the nasty tones of cruel teasing and racially based bullying at Wendy's school for gifted students, and these add to her depiction of Wendy's confusion about having been moved to a new school. Guerra's portrayal of Wendy's manipulative science partner is chilling, but there's warmth in female friends who rally around her. When family secrets are revealed, Guerra allows listeners to experience Wendy's shock, relief, and courage as she stands up for those who have been tormented.
(Fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: Oct. 3, 2023
Duration: 8 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063255517
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Bramhall embraces the storytelling tone that has built this series.
Mark Bramhall, who read the first two audiobooks in this series, now brings listeners the final installment in a satisfying conclusion. His narration shows his deep understanding of the characters—Orris, a rat, and Timble, an owl—as well as their unlikely friendship. He excellently executes grouchy Orris’ outward crabbiness and his more vulnerable interiority. Bramhall portrays young, patient Timble’s affection for the owl and his desire for Orris to experience the joy of flight with him. By the audiobook’s end, both flight and trust are achieved and the pair shares a new level of happiness. The final scene celebrates the magic these tales have brought to devoted fans.
Bramhall embraces the storytelling tone that has built this series. (Early chapter book. 7-9)Pub Date: April 7, 2026
Duration: 18 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593861905
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: April 20, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2026
Tiedemann perfectly captures Queso’s emotions as he deals with family and loss in this time-travel adventure.
Narrator Gary Tiedemann creates a youthful voice for 12-year-old Queso, who, after making a wish to see his deceased dad one more time, travels back in time to 1985. He meets his dad, Pancho (also 12 years old), whose easygoing voice matches his friendly personality, and they become fast friends. As Queso learns more about his dad's childhood, he becomes determined to help him with school to alleviate some of the struggles Pancho will face later in life. Then Queso must make the difficult decision to leave his father behind and return to his own time—if that’s even possible.
Tiedemann perfectly captures Queso’s emotions as he deals with family and loss in this time-travel adventure. (Science fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: March 10, 2026
Duration: 4 hrs, 57 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063092273
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: yesterday
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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