How better to communicate this vital history of racism in America to its young audience than to have the audiobook narrated by a peer? Nine-year-old Pe’Tehn Raighn-Kem Jackson hits it out of the park with her lively and engaging reading. Her voice and delivery are unmistakably those of a kid—and she's an inspired casting choice. Short chapters, ideal for listening to one at a time followed by time for discussion and reflection, connect the history of racist ideas with what is still happening in America today. The audiobook’s timeline continues through 2020, addressing the COVID-19 pandemic and recent police violence against Black people. Jackson’s relatable performance increases the accessibility of this important, sobering, and inspiring work for young listeners.
(Nonfiction. 10-14)Pub Date: May 11, 2021
Duration: 2 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781549108365
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This heartfelt story full of family, friendship, leadership, and belonging is sure to be a home run with young sports fans.
It was supposed to be the best summer ever for 12-year-old Trip, but his plans go awry in this production expertly narrated by Jeff Ebner. This is Trip’s last year to play baseball with his dad’s coaching and his best friends on his team. Ebner captures Trip’s disappointment when he learns his dad’s military unit is being deployed to a remote location. Trip feels extra pressure both at home, when his mother tasks him with supervising his younger sisters and aging grandfather, and on the field, where his slot as team manager is tenuous. And then a new girl player sparks discord within the team. Ebner captures Trip’s turmoil in this first-person account of rising to meet unexpected challenges.
This heartfelt story full of family, friendship, leadership, and belonging is sure to be a home run with young sports fans. (Fiction. 9-13)Pub Date: May 5, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 16 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217411191
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: July 7, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 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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