Brian Nishii narrates this uniquely thoughtful audiobook, translated from a 1937 Japanese classic. It is surprisingly relevant today. Fifteen-year-old Copper’s experiences with school friends and bullies alternate with conversations with his beloved uncle, who also writes essays. As Uncle, Nishii speaks with the slow quiet of an elder accustomed to receiving respect. Uncle shares ideas with Copper on his problems, offering timeless perspectives that seamlessly encompass concepts of science, consumerism, history, and more. His teachings are philosophical, rather than didactic. Nishii creates a heartfelt Copper, respectful and pleasant in both manner and voice, yet we hear painful remorse and shame when he deserts his own lofty ideals. A showdown with school bullies is particularly tense. Nishii’s slight Japanese accent reminds the listener of the book’s universality.
(Fiction. 10-adult)Pub Date: Feb. 11, 2022
Duration: 6 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781705056882
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Live Oak Media recently caught our attention with this new read-along book and cassette program. We listened first, and were so delighted we couldn't wait to get the book. The picture book made the experience even better, but the audio recordings was strong and vibrant by itself. THE GARDENER, Sarah Stewart's Depression-era story of a young girl sent to live with her Uncle Jim in the city has a sweet, wistful quality with narration alone, but coupled with David Small's soft-edged pencil illustration, it's a total delight. The reading is repeated on both sides of the tape, one with and without page-turning signals.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: N/A
Publisher: Live Oak Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A sensitive performance.
Deepa is a precocious 12-year-old girl in remission from leukemia. Under the tutelage of her uncle, a house call doctor, she becomes involved in solving teen tennis player Taio's puzzling medical mystery. Deepa is unsure of herself, but she’s ready to get back to middle school after a year away for treatment. Narrator Soneela Nankani depicts Deepa's desire to be more than the "sick kid" while navigating her youthful insecurities and the social challenges of middle school. Nankani also ably portrays Deepa's growing confidence in herself as she uses her own experience with illness to help figure out what’s wrong with Taio.
A sensitive performance. (Fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: July 14, 2026
Duration: 6 hrs, 32 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668182833
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: yesterday
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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