Lili Gamache creates a remarkably resourceful and sympathetic character in Grace Forcier, a 12-year-old girl who leaves school to work at the mill in a Vermont town in 1910. COUNTING ON GRACE is an excellent historical novel inspired by the real-life photograph of a mill child taken by child labor activist Lewis Hines. Grace is a wide-eyed girl who wants so much to help her family earn more money, to learn to read with her teacher on Sundays, and ultimately to become a teacher; and that enthusiasm and frustration are faithfully translated. Another highlight is Gamache’s interpretation of Grace’s mother as a proud French-Canadian mill worker and a force to be reckoned with. The music seems slightly overused but doesn’t mar a stunning production.
Young AdultPub Date: March 27, 2007
Duration: 5 hrs, 45 mins
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Nayeri has done a stellar job of adapting his own unique work to the audiobook format.
Nayeri narrates this hero’s journey from Nothing to purpose. Ing (short for Nothing) heeds the advice of his friend, Nana, and sets out with his dog, Pöppy, and the wise mouse, mOmO, to find his name, parents, and purpose. Among Ing’s adventures, he traverses the Land of the Dead and aids the questing Wander Prince. Background music and sounds, like Pöppy’s bell ringing and echo effects in the Land of the Dead, stand in for the artistically arrayed text of the print version. Nayeri’s narration is crisp and matter of fact, presenting sorrow, joy, and even death with a reassuring pragmatism. The exception is his characterization of Pöppy as joyfully silly and distracted.
Nayeri has done a stellar job of adapting his own unique work to the audiobook format. (Adventure. 8-12)Pub Date: Oct. 27, 2026
Duration: 1 hr, 47 mins
DD ISBN: 9781628864595
Publisher: Sourcebooks Audio
Review Posted Online: Nov. 9, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2027
A fabulous family listen.
Shannon Nicole Locke presents the innocence and timidity of Kitty, a formerly feral feline who’s adopted by a boy named Max. Kitty attempts to be perfect to win Max’s love and avoid a return to the shelter. Locke narrates both human and animal characters with a strength that brings alive a home haunted by the recent mysterious death of Licorice, Max’s first cat. Particularly notable is Locke’s portrayal of the parrot, Duchess, whose erudite, authoritarian tones are both commanding and chilling. Gradually, however, the truth becomes clear, and Kitty’s devotion to Max triumphs. Adults will marvel at this retelling of Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca while children will enjoy a spooky yet safe introduction to the gothic genre.
A fabulous family listen. (Animal fantasy. 8-12)Pub Date: Oct. 20, 2026
Duration: 3 hrs, 55 mins
DD ISBN: 9798225078904
Publisher: Scholastic Audio
Review Posted Online: Nov. 20, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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