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
Manley's performance is charming, making Sean's world sound complex and full of possibilities.
With a heartwarming narration, author Manley becomes aspiring teen comedian Sean O’Brien. Sean dreams of success performing comedy beyond his hometown. When he meets Elijah, a new classmate, he discovers that other aspects of his life have also been a performance. Manley's Sean is awkward but courageous; his voice is tinged with self-doubt, even when it’s the loudest one in the classroom. At times his confident tone verges on oblivious. But when life gets him down, Sean becomes pensive, self-scrutinizing, and—for better or for worse—overcome with laughter. Manley gives unique vocal characterizations to Sean’s friends: monotone for Andy, softly inspiring for Elijah, and flatly serious for Tony.
Manley's performance is charming, making Sean's world sound complex and full of possibilities. (Fiction. 14-18)Pub Date: Sept. 8, 2026
Duration: 7 hrs, 41 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217349760
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Sept. 29, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2026
Gorgeous singing, brilliant performances, and flawless production values make this an audio experience listeners can...
This magical and captivating full-cast audio production combining Gaston Leroux's 1910 novel, Le Fantôme de L'Opéra, and Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera is unique. The audiobook is told from Christine Daaé’s perspective, and Beatrice Penny-Touré is truly remarkable portraying her. Christine’s youth and naïveté are unmistakable, as are her complex longings and uncertainties. As Erik, the Phantom, Jordan Donica is chilling. He makes Erik’s mercurial behaviors and his manipulations completely credible. The many cast members offer strong supporting roles, with each voice ringing true to its character, from Sierra Boggess as the Diva Carlotta to Jordan Fisher as Raoul, Christine’s real-world love.
Gorgeous singing, brilliant performances, and flawless production values make this an audio experience listeners can treasure. (Romance. 14-18)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2026
Duration: 12 hrs, 16 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217348565
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Sept. 28, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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