Lisa Ling's informative introductions lead in to her storytelling as she delivers delectable food-based tales drawn from Chinese culture. In a conversational tone, Ling describes an iconic dish, offering historical context, etymology, or myth and capturing the warmth of the author toward these foods. She then transitions to tales about dragons, monks, emperors, and other heroes. Ling's transitions are fluid whether she's shifting from Chinese to English or giving context before relating a folktale. Harp-like notes signal transitions to stories, and other sound effects emphasize elements within them. Grace Lin furthers the audio experience by reading her author's note. There is also beautifully illustrated downloadable material. From wonton soup to fortune cookies, this audio will fill listeners up with wonder and knowledge.
(Nonfiction. 8-13)Pub Date: Sept. 12, 2023
Duration: 6 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781668632598
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Ruby will win listeners over with her unique point of view.
Kate Coventry brings Ruby Emmerson, a middle school student with learning differences, to realistic, vibrant life. She and her twin brother, Bryce, have been accepted at the rigorous Benton Academy, where standards are high and failure is not tolerated. Even after getting extra help, Ruby fails a math test she worked hard to pass. When she anonymously posts online about her frustration in being “the mango among the lovebirds,” she’s surprised to discover she’s not the only student struggling. Coventry captures Ruby’s helplessness, anger, and eventual courage and determination as she misses her old friends at the neighborhood school, tries to fit in at Benton, and fights for the support all students need.
Ruby will win listeners over with her unique point of view. (Fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: April 14, 2026
Duration: 4 hrs, 18 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668658390
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: May 5, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2026
Naeymi’s narration is both raw and triumphant.
Samara Naeymi beautifully narrates this middle-grade novel about an Iranian American girl. Bullied by her classmates for her frizzy hair and thick eyebrows and criticized by her mother for her weight, Yasmin struggles to be her authentic self in a world that tells her she's not good enough. There are many different perspectives in this story, and Naeymi is true to each: Yasmin’s judgmental mother, with her Persian accent and steely belief in her own harsh parenting; the ruthless teenagers whose hurtful comments cause emotional harm; the younger brother concerned for his sister's unhappiness; and the tried-and-true best friend.
Naeymi’s narration is both raw and triumphant. (Fiction. 10-14)Pub Date: March 24, 2026
Duration: 4 hrs, 51 mins
DD ISBN: 9798349114861
Publisher: Dreamscape
Review Posted Online: April 28, 2026
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