Listeners are introduced to 12-year-old Dagmar, who is stuck in a tiny house in California's redwood forest with her father, stepmother, and 5-year-old half-brother, Santi. Narrator Kristen DiMercurio does a fantastic job of bringing several unique personalities to life. Young Dagmar expresses exasperation with pesky Santi, boredom with her summer of isolation, curiosity about the eccentric family that calls the forest home, and confidence when she finds a path through a wildfire. Santi has the whiny voice of a little brother desperate for attention. Spoiled rich boy Blake's voice loses its snottiness as he finds a way to be a friend. Vlad, Blake's "manny," brings comic relief with his accent and mangled English. This is a timely, entertaining story dealing with the environment, technology, and family dynamics.
(Fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: Sept. 8, 2020
Duration: 5 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593287965
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Wilson has listeners rooting for two lost souls, dog and human, to find each other amid great loss.
Mara Wilson brings her acting chops to her narration of this middle-grade novel about a stray dog and a frightened boy searching for each other. Following a devastating fire, Wombat the dog, who is afraid of humans, follows her intuition to find the one human waiting for her. Henry, frightened of dogs, finds his way to a family shelter where Wombat awaits. Can Wombat help Henry conquer his fears of dogs, fire, and insecurity? Wilson tackles tough emotions like fear, loss, grief, and uncertainty in a comforting, inviting tone, whether she’s voicing Wombat or Henry. Even the darkest moments hold notes of hope and encouragement.
Wilson has listeners rooting for two lost souls, dog and human, to find each other amid great loss. (Verse fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: May 5, 2026
Duration: 2 hrs, 11 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063221208
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: July 20, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2026
Amoss’ performance makes this an extraordinary listen.
Sophie Amoss flawlessly narrates this splendid middle-grade audiobook set in New Orleans. Twelve-year-old Basil is shocked when the ghost of her Grandpere—who founded their family’s Cajun restaurant—appears at his own funeral and asks her to visit the bayou where he grew up. When Basil and her energetically rendered friend Tommy discover that the bayou has suffered from damaging erosion, they decide to work to save it. Spirited descriptions of family, friendship, the environment, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of life in a restaurant add atmosphere. A moving, beautiful author’s note includes ways for listeners to help save Louisiana’s coast.
Amoss’ performance makes this an extraordinary listen. (Paranormal. 8-12)Pub Date: March 24, 2026
Duration: 6 hrs, 41 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063325463
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: April 28, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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