Narrator Guy Lockard’s impressive command of dialect and intonations enlivens the author’s humor. His voice animates the rural African-American setting of this story and actualizes the characters of 11-year-old Genie and his older brother as they spend a month with grandparents they hardly know. Lockard’s portrayal of Genie is seasoned with a mix of curiosity and nervousness. These fit the anxious protagonist, who worries about his parents’ marriage, the unusual behavior of his grandfather, and generational hurts he doesn’t fully understand. Amid chores of poop-scooping and pea-picking and wondering about the forbidden “nunya bidness door,” Lockard fully expresses Genie’s blind, gun-toting Grandpop—the vulnerability that lies below his swagger and the man’s need for the grandson who comes to love him.
(Fiction. 9-12)Pub Date: May 3, 2016
Duration: 7 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781508225089
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 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: yesterday
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
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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