It's impossible to hear Erin Moon's delivery of this affecting story without experiencing the same emotions as its first-person protagonist. Bea is a middle-grade student in a small school who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. When a shooter enters the building, she becomes tragically aware of her disadvantaged situation. This novel in verse recounts in present tense the events before, during, and after the shooting. Moon creates a thoroughly likable Bea. Initially, her voice bubbles with the optimism and playful sarcasm of a typical kid. However, her panicked emotions during the shooting are palpable. Listeners will feel helplessness, panic, and dread in Moon's breathless, halting delivery. Afterward, Bea becomes more reticent until loved ones and a therapy horse help her recover and find new strength.
(Verse fiction. 10-14)Pub Date: April 15, 2025
Duration: 3 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781668128978
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Through Andromeda’s story, young listeners will learn more about the justice system and their rights.
Fifth grader Andromeda Diaz is concerned about her friend, Benji, who has been accused of stealing a valuable watch and is now facing charges. Andi, the daughter of two public defenders, doesn’t believe he committed the crime, and she works to figure out what really happened. Author Almanza, who was herself a public defender, performs her own work enthusiastically. Her narration style is casual, at times not quite nailing the rhythm of the text. While she’s not a professional narrator, her knowledge of the legal process shines through.
Through Andromeda’s story, young listeners will learn more about the justice system and their rights. (Mystery. 8-12)Pub Date: Sept. 8, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 11 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217352364
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Sept. 22, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2026
The plot, performances, and production are funny and engaging and make Pedro’s world feel vibrant and full.
This full cast audio rendition of a graphic memoir conveys the energy and brightness of that visual medium. The story recounts Pedro’s challenging but hopeful and humorous childhood as a migrant farmworker in the U.S., growing up with dreams of a life in the arts. Sound effects and musical interludes punctuate the narrative. Plates rattle as an earthquake shakes a restaurant, and birds sing in the bushes on a berry farm as Pedro’s family works. The animated performances by this large cast, especially the boyish voice of Oscar Emmanuel Fabela as Pedro, are perfect to hook preteen listeners—and adults, too.
The plot, performances, and production are funny and engaging and make Pedro’s world feel vibrant and full. (Graphic memoir. 10-16)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2026
Duration: 3 hrs, 38 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217349708
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Sept. 22, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2026
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