This engaging, uplifting summer read reminds listeners that happiness is often found in unexpected places.
This thoughtful and humorous coming-of-age story set in the late 1990s is a memorable listen. Narrator Mindy Escobar-Leanse shines as Gigi, a 12-year-old girl spending the summer at Camp Shir Gershon, a Jewish bungalow colony in upstate New York. Despite being there with her older sister, Yasmin, and her father, who works as the camp handyman, Gigi doesn't feel like she fits in and plans to run back to her mother in Brooklyn. As she begins to make friends and explore her family history and cultural links, listeners will feel like they are part of her journey. Escobar-Leanse infuses Gigi and the story as a whole with warmth and a feeling of connection while also capturing the insecurity, excitement, and uncertainty of growing up and discovering who you are.
This engaging, uplifting summer read reminds listeners that happiness is often found in unexpected places. (Fiction. 9-12)Pub Date: May 5, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 59 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063372290
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: June 23, 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
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