A new medieval heroine bursts upon the literary scene in Cushman's latest novel, created as only Cushman can concoct such a girl. The orphan, Matilda, is an excessively pious young woman, obsessed with the saints whose voices chorus in her ear and the recollected wisdom of her former teacher and mentor, Father Leufredus. She is dropped into Blood and Bone Alley to become servant, and later apprentice, to the wise and infinitely tolerant Red Peg, the Bonesetter. Tony Award-winning actress Janet McTeer meets the challenge of a wide-ranging cast of quirky characters, among them Peg's witty and sentimental husband, Tom; the rhyming bloodletter Horanswith Leech; the officious and deceitful Master Theobald, the Wonderworker; the earnest kitchenmaid, Tildy; and the gruff yet kindly Doctor Margery Lewes. A delightful tale is enhanced by the audio format!
Ages 10+Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2000
Duration: 4 hrs
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Rey’s timeless performance makes this medieval adventure fascinating, frightening, and fun.
Elena Rey holds listeners’ attention firmly in her grasp with her narration of this middle-grade historical fiction. Twelve-year-old Blanca is chosen by her grandmother, Eleanor of Aquitaine, to marry the prince of France. As Blanca travels from Spain, she learns lessons about how to be a queen from Eleanor and lessons about life from the difficult journey. Rey voices young Blanca, Queen Eleanor, and various male characters with equal aplomb. Eleanor sounds imperious and aged; Blanca is assuredly royal yet a still preteen; and the knights are chivalrous, pompous, and a bit overzealous. Rey’s royal harrumphs and sniffs and childish scoffs and whines add to the enjoyable soundscape.
Rey’s timeless performance makes this medieval adventure fascinating, frightening, and fun. (Historical fiction. 9-14)Pub Date: March 24, 2026
Duration: 6 hrs, 51 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217287901
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: April 14, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2026
Higginbottom captures Rose’s spirited determination and anger as she fights for her existence.
Narrator Erin Higginbottom creates a youthful voice for 12-year-old Rose, whose native Métis community is being threatened by Canadian settlers during the North-West Resistance of 1885. Rose has always been drawn to more traditionally male activities, and when a battle breaks out between her people and the Canadian soldiers, she desperately wants to contribute. Finally, her opportunity arrives, and she volunteers for a dangerous mission that could help make a difference. Higginbottom brings Rose and her family to life in this historical story of standing in resistance alongside those you love in the face of great danger.
Higginbottom captures Rose’s spirited determination and anger as she fights for her existence. (Historical fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: March 17, 2026
Duration: 4 hrs, 18 mins
DD ISBN: 9781547614776
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Review Posted Online: May 12, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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