Cherry Jones's expertise shines in a short novel that's long on emotions. Her narration emphasizes 10-year-old Ferris's fundamental belief that "every story is a love story." Jones's nuanced delivery captures the affection of Ferris's large family; listeners will feel the many facets of their love. Central to the story is Charisse, Ferris's beloved grandmother. Each time Jones utters her throaty endearment, "Darling," its tenderness resonates powerfully. Jones voices Ferris's continual concern about Charisse until it becomes a refrain of worry. Jones portrays all the other characters equally strongly. They range from the practicality of Ferris's devoted mother to the fractiousness of Ferris's younger sister, Pinky, whose desire to become an outlaw makes her difficult to love. Still, Jones demonstrates that Ferris manages to do so.
(Fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: March 5, 2024
Duration: 4 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780593867938
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Narrator Jeff Ebner's youthful voice and careful pacing are well suited to this middle-grade horror audiobook. Rory has avoided the house next door ever since he and his best friend encountered the malevolent spirits that eventually caused his friend's family to move away. So when Jack's family moves in, Rory will do whatever it takes to protect them, especially Jack's little sister. Beyond the supernatural encounters, Ebner keeps listeners grounded when Rory and Jack share aspects of their Japanese and Korean cultures, especially foods. Ebner smoothly differentiates characters as Rory and Jack, along with a couple of friendly ghosts, work together to figure out what kind of creatures lurk in Jack's basement and how they can fight back.
(Horror. 8-13)Pub Date: Sept. 30, 2025
Duration: 4 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063460072
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Narrator Joy Regullano captures the voice of 11-year-old Lila Clement, who reluctantly travels to Ohio with her family after her estranged grandfather's death. Her parents must settle his estate, which includes the mysterious inn Grandpa Clem owned. Soon after Lila and her brother arrive, strange occurrences begin, and Lila starts seeing ghosts. Terrified yet curious, she investigates the inn's history and discovers that Grandpa Clem may not have died naturally. Determined to uncover the truth about what happened, Lila sets out to save the town and bring peace to her ghostly friends. Regullano delivers a captivating performance, skillfully voicing characters of different genders and ages with varying accents. Her ability to convey suspense and fear is deliciously eerie--it's sure to thrill young fans of supernatural stories.
(Paranormal. 8-12)Pub Date: Sept. 2, 2025
Duration: 4 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9798225000745
Publisher: Scholastic Audiobooks
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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