Kirby Heyborne's evenhanded narration fits first-person narrator Jackson, who describes himself as "not an imaginary friend kind of guy." Heyborne makes Jackson's bewilderment clear as the fourth-grader, who is bent on becoming a scientist, tries to puzzle out the reappearance of Crenshaw, an oversized imaginary cat who showed up three years before, when Jackson and his parents were homeless. Heyborne deftly portrays how Jackson's parents downplay their predicament and how Jackson tamps down his scary feelings as he tries to shield his sister from the realities of their lives. Heyborne gives the cat gentle tones that help to calm Jackson as he come to terms with his family's situation. Young listeners will be reassured by Heyborne's quiet delivery as they hear about a difficult topic.
. (Fiction. 7-11)Pub Date: Sept. 22, 2015
Duration: 3 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780399564659
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Arsenault’s passionate performance brings this alternative world to life.
Fourteen-year-old Tessa lives in a dystopian world with a leader who has banned books and taken away the personal liberties of its citizens. Elise Arsenault establishes a steady pace with her narration. When an older neighbor is taken to elder care, Tessa finds a box of forbidden books in her house that changes everything. Arsenault captures Tessa’s tumultuous emotions as she learns about the past and discovers that her long-lost twin brother, Theo, who disappeared years ago, may still be alive. Fans of Lowry’s The Giver will be intrigued by this world, one that feels frighteningly plausible.
Arsenault’s passionate performance brings this alternative world to life. (Dystopian. 9-12)Pub Date: Sept. 29, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 49 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063515130
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Aug. 9, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2026
A fun listen about standing up for what you believe in.
Sixth grader Jordi Acosta starts to take an interest in activism when two issues become significant in his life. First, books are being banned at the school library, and second, an energy company wants to drill in Yaupon Creek Wildlife Refuge, where he volunteers with his mom, a wildlife biologist who tends to cryptids there. Adi Cabral narrates at a quick pace, with a slightly sassy edge. They bring a wealth of variety to their depictions of middle schooler Jordi and his friends, creating different voices, from impudent to nerdy and nasal. Several characters have Southern accents.
A fun listen about standing up for what you believe in. (Fantasy. 9-12)Pub Date: Sept. 22, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 9 mins
DD ISBN: 9798349166136
Publisher: Dreamscape
Review Posted Online: Oct. 20, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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