Narrator Soneela Nankani returns to voice seventh grader Amina, whom listeners met in AMINA'S VOICE. Nankani's sweet voice perfectly matches Amina, who spends a thrilling summer vacation visiting family in Pakistan and is bursting to share details with her friends at home. She's disappointed to discover they aren't that interested. And when she makes a class presentation on Malala Yousafzai, everyone focuses on the scary parts of the story, rather than Malala's strengths. While clearly differentiating each character, Nankani helps listeners feel Amina's longing to help others see beyond the stereotypes of her family and their country. When the story comes to a close, Amina's voice reflects her growing confidence as she discovers a passion for songwriting, and other bold ways to honor her heritage.
(Fiction. 9-13)Pub Date: March 9, 2021
Duration: 5 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781797117928
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
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
Edwards gives a soulful performance.
Young Juniper visits her grandmother's house, where Grandma tells her about their ancestors from Africa and their practice of hoodoo. Together, Juniper and Grandma tend to the garden, go for walks in the woods, attend church, create herb-filled mojo bags, and visit the cemetery to place offerings for their ancestors, whom Grandma says are always with them. Narrator Janina Edwards conveys Grandma’s wisdom with an earthy and relaxed narration, expressing a clear connection with the natural world, a refuge for both of them. Edwards also handily portrays Juniper's sense of wonder as she navigates this spiritual connection, inspiring listeners to pay attention to the world around them.
Edwards gives a soulful performance. (Picture book. 6-8)Pub Date: April 7, 2026
Duration: 13 mins
DD ISBN: 9798349168703
Publisher: Dreamscape
Review Posted Online: June 2, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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