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BETRAYAL AT CROSS CREEK

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Thirteen-year-old Elsbeth has been confronted and warned by the Patriots, and now she is anxiously watching everyone. Who has betrayed her family? And what will happen next? Davina Porter brings Elsbeth vividly to life with her spot-on Scottish brogue, and she moves smoothly between the various Scots--male and female--giving each his or her own specific accent. We see Elsbeth’s strong, tough grandfather, yet we also see his gentler side. We see tall, silent Mr. McCracken; timid Janet; warm, loving Mrs. Blair; and Mercy--all brought equally to life. And we agonize with Elsbeth and her fears over her own perceived lack of courage as she bravely confronts her enemies, friends, and family. A great history lesson is brought expertly to life.

Ages 6+

Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2005

Duration: 4 hrs, 30 mins

Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.

Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026

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    THE QUEEN'S GRANDDAUGHTER

    Rey’s timeless performance makes this medieval adventure fascinating, frightening, and fun.

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    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: tomorrow

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      RED RIVER ROSE

      Higginbottom captures Rose’s spirited determination and anger as she fights for her existence.

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      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

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