Jasminne Mendez delivers her novel-in-verse with the affinity of an author turned narrator, embracing the line breaks and Spanish phrases that make her poetic writing even more lyrical. Mendez reveals the deep feelings of 12-year-old Aniana del Mar, a Dominican American who adores being in the water as much as she loves the parents who nurture her. Mendez helps listeners picture Aniana's protective Mami, who fears the water, and her Papi, who aids Aniana's passion for swimming. Mendez sensitively depicts Aniana's growing discomfort with the two secrets she is keeping: her swimming and the mysterious pain she is suffering. Admitting her suffering leads to a diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis that brings new losses, grief, and family upsets, but healing begins with understanding.
(Fiction. 9-13)Pub Date: March 14, 2023
Duration: 4 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593634714
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Together, author and narrator create a three-dimensional character to root for.
Sunny Lu’s soft and youthful voice is perfect for April, a 12-year-old theater geek who happens to need a tracheostomy tube to help her breathe. April believes that her audition for the school play went so well that she’s sure to get the lead, so she’s devastated when she is confined to a backstage role because of her disability. Lu adapts her tone to each supporting character—April’s Chinese American parents; her best friend, Ruby, who lives by tarot cards; school bully Graham; and Zahra, whose activist mother wants to see more Muslims on the stage. April’s underhanded strategy to grab back the lead role sows discord until she finds a solution.
Together, author and narrator create a three-dimensional character to root for. (Fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: June 16, 2026
Duration: 7 hrs, 19 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217295906
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: July 21, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2026
This powerful story will stay with listeners long after the last word has been spoken.
Aria Mia Loberti masters the voice of seventh grader Roxie, expressing the jumble of emotions she feels as she struggles to fit in and find acceptance as her unique self. She was bullied at her old school because her parents are blind. Will a fresh start in a new town lead to friends who will see Roxie for who she is? Loberti also gives supporting characters unique voices. She conveys little brother Theo’s excitement, classmate Quinn’s superior attitude, and the wisdom of Charlie, a boy who also has blind parents. Jeff Ebner is outstanding as Nash, Penny’s guide dog, narrating chapters from his perspective and expressing his patience and insight.
This powerful story will stay with listeners long after the last word has been spoken. (Fiction. 9-13)Pub Date: June 2, 2026
Duration: 7 hrs, 41 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217412556
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Aug. 4, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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