Narrator Erin Mallon's raspy timbre adds an edge to the humorous sarcasm of Millie Michalchuk, a returning character from Julie Murphy's debut novel, DUMPLIN'. Millie's view of herself as a fat girl diminishes her hopes for her future as a newscaster. But things change when she unexpectedly becomes friends with a popular girl named Callie. There's history between the two. Callie is the one girl Millie was able to identify of those who vandalized her uncle's gym. Kyla Garcia's portrayal of Callie also has shades of cynicism. Garcia captures Callie's initial tones of superiority and then adds notes of vulnerability when her arrest leads to disgrace. Both narrators provide believable renditions of how the girls' grudging acceptance of each other grows into mutual respect and support.
(Fiction. 13-16)Pub Date: May 8, 2018
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780062476043
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Castano captures the message of this teen paranormal romance: Never let life pass you by.
Sylvie Castellano goes on an unexpected adventure with a vintage gold watch and Penn, the ghost who comes along with it. Barbara Castano’s narration expresses 18-year-old Sylvie’s loneliness. She’s recovering from a concussion, and while her family members' lives continue without her, Sylvie wishes for a more fulfilled life; she wants to have fun as well as take on new responsibilities. Alongside Penn, Sylvie embarks on a series of summer activities, which Castano describes beautifully. But Castano's optimistic tones turn grave as the story unfolds.
Castano captures the message of this teen paranormal romance: Never let life pass you by. (Speculative romance. 14-18)Pub Date: March 3, 2026
Duration: 8 hrs, 16 mins
DD ISBN: 9781547619481
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Review Posted Online: April 7, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2026
Together, Vilinsky and Chastain’s performances create a forbidden and magnetic chemistry.
Narrators Jesse Vilinsky and Zac Chastain give heartwarming performances in this teen small-town baseball romance. Eliza Crowley has always loved two things in life: baseball and light design for the theater. Wanting to be seen more as the town's rich girl, Eliza plans to spend her summer focusing on a community theater production—until Reed Fulton, a pitcher for a rival baseball team, returns to town. Vilinsky’s energetic tone and nuanced pacing embody Eliza’s strength and love for her family and for theater. Reed is also dedicated to his family, and to baseball, and Chastain’s rich, warm timbre reflects his devotion.
Together, Vilinsky and Chastain’s performances create a forbidden and magnetic chemistry.Pub Date: March 3, 2026
Duration: 9 hrs, 20 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217280810
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Feb. 24, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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