Justine Eyre portrays a family in turmoil, focusing on the grade-school-age protagonist, Mimi. After the death of her mother, her after-school life is divided among her loving Irish family members while her despairing father stays at home and burns the dinner. Mimi delves into her sister’s diary, tries to block out her brother’s constant drumming, endures schoolyard bullying over her Chinese ethnicity, and regularly skips her homework until her doting teacher disappears quite suddenly on maternity leave. Eyre gives Mimi a compelling voice, rich with angst and humor and growing understanding. Eyre's renditions of Mimi’s panicky father and her pregnant teacher are hilarious, and her switches from sadness to levity are well balanced. Equally well portrayed are Mimi’s siblings and friends, along with her Irish family members—with their charming lilts.
Ages 8+Pub Date: Aug. 23, 2011
Duration: 4 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781455820481
Publisher: Brilliance Audio/ Candlewick
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Arsenault’s passionate performance brings this alternative world to life.
Fourteen-year-old Tessa lives in a dystopian world with a leader who has banned books and taken away the personal liberties of its citizens. Elise Arsenault establishes a steady pace with her narration. When an older neighbor is taken to elder care, Tessa finds a box of forbidden books in her house that changes everything. Arsenault captures Tessa’s tumultuous emotions as she learns about the past and discovers that her long-lost twin brother, Theo, who disappeared years ago, may still be alive. Fans of Lowry’s The Giver will be intrigued by this world, one that feels frighteningly plausible.
Arsenault’s passionate performance brings this alternative world to life. (Dystopian. 9-12)Pub Date: yesterday
Duration: 5 hrs, 49 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063515130
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Aug. 9, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: tomorrow
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
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