Listeners are in for a romp around New York City when disgraced teen starlet Evie Jones arrives at her famous grandmother's doorstep, looking for one last chance to save her career. Narrator Shayna Small evokes Evie's easy confidence and West Coast attitude, which are shattered when she discovers that her grandmother has run away. Small also channels the grace and wisdom of Evie's grandmother, who was a movie star in her day. Small removes years from her voice as Evie explores scenes from her grandmother's past. In these moments Small's performance conveys the warmth and love of their tight bond. Evie scours the city with Milo, a young musician whose bandmates bring plenty of boisterous energy and humor to the narration. Family and new friendships make this a romantic and heartfelt listen.
(Fiction. 14-18)Pub Date: Aug. 25, 2020
Duration: 8 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250269744
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Castano captures the message of this teen paranormal romance: Never let life pass you by.
Sylvie Castellano goes on an unexpected adventure with a vintage gold watch and Penn, the ghost who comes along with it. Barbara Castano’s narration expresses 18-year-old Sylvie’s loneliness. She’s recovering from a concussion, and while her family members' lives continue without her, Sylvie wishes for a more fulfilled life; she wants to have fun as well as take on new responsibilities. Alongside Penn, Sylvie embarks on a series of summer activities, which Castano describes beautifully. But Castano's optimistic tones turn grave as the story unfolds.
Castano captures the message of this teen paranormal romance: Never let life pass you by. (Speculative romance. 14-18)Pub Date: March 3, 2026
Duration: 8 hrs, 16 mins
DD ISBN: 9781547619481
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Review Posted Online: April 7, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2026
Together, Vilinsky and Chastain’s performances create a forbidden and magnetic chemistry.
Narrators Jesse Vilinsky and Zac Chastain give heartwarming performances in this teen small-town baseball romance. Eliza Crowley has always loved two things in life: baseball and light design for the theater. Wanting to be seen more as the town's rich girl, Eliza plans to spend her summer focusing on a community theater production—until Reed Fulton, a pitcher for a rival baseball team, returns to town. Vilinsky’s energetic tone and nuanced pacing embody Eliza’s strength and love for her family and for theater. Reed is also dedicated to his family, and to baseball, and Chastain’s rich, warm timbre reflects his devotion.
Together, Vilinsky and Chastain’s performances create a forbidden and magnetic chemistry.Pub Date: March 3, 2026
Duration: 9 hrs, 20 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217280810
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Feb. 24, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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