Ruffin Prentiss captures the angst of 13-year-old Malcolm Montgomery as the teen balances the uncertainty of foster care with the daily turmoil he experiences in middle school. Tops on Malcolm's list of things to do: Be adopted "before it's too late." When his new school begins to implement an AI-powered robot in the classroom and he is chosen to maintain it, the bullies pounce on him. Prentiss brings out the awkwardness of a time of great emotional change as Malcolm seeks acceptance at school and at home. His best intentions seem to go awry at every turn, making the balance between the two even more difficult to manage. After testing begins at school, things go off the rails for the teen in a hilarious yet heartwarming way.
(Fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: July 8, 2025
Duration: 5 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9798896792925
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Amoss’ performance makes this an extraordinary listen.
Sophie Amoss flawlessly narrates this splendid middle-grade audiobook set in New Orleans. Twelve-year-old Basil is shocked when the ghost of her Grandpere—who founded their family’s Cajun restaurant—appears at his own funeral and asks her to visit the bayou where he grew up. When Basil and her energetically rendered friend Tommy discover that the bayou has suffered from damaging erosion, they decide to work to save it. Spirited descriptions of family, friendship, the environment, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of life in a restaurant add atmosphere. A moving, beautiful author’s note includes ways for listeners to help save Louisiana’s coast.
Amoss’ performance makes this an extraordinary listen. (Paranormal. 8-12)Pub Date: March 24, 2026
Duration: 6 hrs, 41 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063325463
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: April 28, 2026
A thoughtful audio presentation that works best when paired with the beautiful book.
Shaun Taylor-Corbett, whose heritage includes Blackfeet, narrates Sibert honoree Nelson‘s (Hunkpapa Lakota–Standing Rock Sioux) picture-book presentation of Lakota principles as embodied in the natural world. The name of each animal, from buffalo to frog to horse and more, is presented in both English and Lakota, followed by a sentence or two of description and explanation of how their behaviors inform the Lakota way of life. Taylor-Corbett’s light, earnest voice is a good tonal match with the text, and he smoothly incorporates the Lakota vocabulary into his delivery. His pacing is measured, granting the animals the respect they’re due and allowing little listeners following along with the print book to linger on each page to take in the details of Nelson’s illustrations, which are inspired by traditional Lakota artwork.
A thoughtful audio presentation that works best when paired with the beautiful book. (Picture book. 6-10)Pub Date: March 17, 2026
Duration: 7 mins
DD ISBN: 9798898850357
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: April 21, 2026
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