Maggi-Meg Reed flavors her nonfiction narration with lilts that lend drama to the story of the Thompson submachine gun (Tommy gun) in America in the 1920s and '30s. Reed first turns her attention to John Thompson, a Spanish-American army officer who believed the military needed a more efficient weapon during WWI. Later, Reed notes the inventor's dismay when the weapon finds its way into illegal use and popularity with gangsters like Al Capone. Quotations make the nonfiction lively, and Reed embeds these with expression, aptly representing characters ranging from gangsters to lawmen. Personalities and events that shaped history unfold. The epilogue speaks to current issues about gun rights and concerns.
Ages 12+Pub Date: Feb. 25, 2020
Duration: 4 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780593207277
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
In 1832 thirteen-year-old Charlotte Doyle is sailing from Liverpool to Rhode Island to rejoin her family. Shocked to discover that the families who were to have been both guardians and companions will not accompany her, Charlotte embarks on a journey filled with terror and swashbuckling adventure. The first-person narrative makes this Newbery Honor book a wonderful choice for recording. O'Karma's reading, with its hint of cross-gender differentiation, allows the listener to feel as if Charlotte Doyle herself were relating the tale. This story should be particularly alluring to adolescent girls although the fast-paced action and the nautical setting will also appeal to male listeners. Ages 12-adult.
Ages 12+Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 6 hrs
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A powerful contemplation of the impact of women's anger and a call to action.
Narrator Cynthia Farrell channels author Traister's conviction, passion, and sense of urgency. Engaging from the start, the audiobook is part history lesson and part personal reflection, providing listeners with a wide-ranging survey of how women's anger has powered social justice movements from the French Revolution to the Civil Rights Movement to the 2017 Women's March on Washington. With well-researched examples, Traister chronicles the many ways that women's rage is ignored, dismissed, and ridiculed, even though it is often the thing that spurs change. This audiobook will stay with listeners and will prompt awareness, reflection, and conversation.
A powerful contemplation of the impact of women's anger and a call to action. (Nonfiction. 10-16)Pub Date: Feb. 17, 2026
Duration: 6 hrs, 52 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668156506
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: April 20, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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