Narrator Cassandra Morris embraces the dreamy quality of Louisiana Elefante, one of three friends who first appeared in RAYMIE NIGHTINGALE. Here her grandmother, formerly a minor character, becomes a brutally strong force. She wakes Louisiana in the middle of the night and whisks her away from the stability she's found, pulling her into a mad plan for a "date with destiny." Morris reflects the 12-year-old's increasing alarm as her grandmother grows stranger, needier, and more remote until she disappears entirely, leaving only a note. This note reveals that the past Louisiana believed in was a fabrication. Morris embodies the lost and lonely Louisiana who wonders where she will fit in the world. Morris's wonderful narration gives voice to the loving forces around Louisiana and the lyrical voice DiCamillo has created for her character.
(Historical fiction. 9-13)Pub Date: Oct. 2, 2018
Duration: 3 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780525633907
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Arserio perfectly captures Hafsa’s boldness as she fights for herself and others.
Narrator Shiromi Arserio establishes a determined voice for Hafsa, a Pakistani village girl who longs to attend a summer science camp focused on medicine in the city to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor. At first, her parents firmly reject the idea, but after her sister’s husband insists that Hafsa could stay with them, her father relents. Arserio beautifully portrays Hafsa’s disappointment when she learns that the camp’s topic is climate change instead of medicine, and her resilience when she makes the most of it anyway. When Hafsa takes up the cause of finding a new home with better conditions for an elephant at the local zoo, Arserio’s energetic narration brings the story to life.
Arserio perfectly captures Hafsa’s boldness as she fights for herself and others. (Fiction. 9-13)Pub Date: March 10, 2026
Duration: 4 hrs, 24 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217280414
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: yesterday
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2026
A heartfelt audiobook for the entire family to enjoy.
With a youthful voice, Jeff Ebner brings much emotion to this realistic middle-grade novel. Ten-year-old Nathan Savage is consumed with worry that the gigantic pile of trash across the street from his home is about to collapse. He’s even more worried that his father, who works at the top of said pile, is in extreme danger. It’s up to Nathan to devise a flawless plan to save the day. Ebner’s fast-paced, energetic narration moves the action along, engaging young listeners to the very last word.
A heartfelt audiobook for the entire family to enjoy. (Fiction. 10-14)Pub Date: March 10, 2026
Duration: 4 hrs, 55 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217280445
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: April 1, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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