Helgerson's novel is reminiscent of Mark Twain's Mississippi adventure stories. In 1849, Zebulon Crabtree is 12 years old when his parents send him by riverboat to St. Louis to begin a dreary life as a tanner under his uncle's tutelage. On the boat he meets Chilly Larpentaur, a river gambler who promises to teach him the fine art of cardsharping and shady deals. They’ll teach rich cheaters a lesson by beating them at their own game and giving the money to poor orphans. MacLeod Andrews gives Zeb the voice of a 12-year-old who puts considerable energies into work avoidance. Andrews’s light, folksy tone will have listeners chuckling through Zeb's misadventures and eventual redemption. And the glossary at the end will clarify the “blimblam” of this tale. N.E.M. SYNC 2015 © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine
Young AdultPub Date: April 6, 2009
Duration: 7 hrs
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Robinson makes listeners squirm with her performance of young campers facing a dystopian future.
Rioghnach Robinson channels middle school energy to narrate this story of Anna-Jane, who is excited to be returning to summer camp with friends. But this year will be different: News of a rapidly spreading virus is reported right before people outside camp start disappearing and mutated animals start appearing. The campers soon realize that no rescue is coming, and they must work together to survive while waiting out the virus. Robinson beautifully captures the emotional arc of the tweens, from delighted campers to terrified children to determined survivors. She conveys the thrill of young love and the volatility of friendship and believably characterizes both bullies and a science nerd.
Robinson makes listeners squirm with her performance of young campers facing a dystopian future. (Verse apocalyptic adventure. 9-13)Pub Date: April 28, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 21 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217172788
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: April 20, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2026
Ruby will win listeners over with her unique point of view.
Kate Coventry brings Ruby Emmerson, a middle school student with learning differences, to realistic, vibrant life. She and her twin brother, Bryce, have been accepted at the rigorous Benton Academy, where standards are high and failure is not tolerated. Even after getting extra help, Ruby fails a math test she worked hard to pass. When she anonymously posts online about her frustration in being “the mango among the lovebirds,” she’s surprised to discover she’s not the only student struggling. Coventry captures Ruby’s helplessness, anger, and eventual courage and determination as she misses her old friends at the neighborhood school, tries to fit in at Benton, and fights for the support all students need.
Ruby will win listeners over with her unique point of view. (Fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: April 14, 2026
Duration: 4 hrs, 18 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668658390
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: May 5, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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