A full cast performs this heartfelt audio set in Jim Crow Virginia. Charley Cuffey loves two things best of all: playing baseball and her Nana Kofi's stories of Africa. When Charley and her friends move a meaningful game to the whites-only field across town, the resulting backlash brings the widespread impacts of racism and violence to her door. All the narrators' voices mix prose, free verse, and rhyming poetry. Angel Pean, as Charley, provides the anchor for the story as her cheerful optimism and self-confidence are challenged by the prejudice her family faces daily. Dominic Hoffman's lovingly gruff tones as Charley's grandfather, Nana Kofi, provide balance and a connection between the younger and older generations.
(Verse historical fiction. 10-18)Pub Date: Sept. 24, 2024
Duration: 4 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781668623824
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Vega’s performance conveys strength and pride befitting this ode to the island and its people.
Jenyvette Vega narrates these poems, which chronicle Puerto Rico's struggle for self-determination. She shifts seamlessly between Spanish and English as listeners learn about the history of the flag and what it represents to the Puerto Rican people, as well as about key events in Puerto Rican history and the Puerto Rican diaspora. Vega reads at a gentle pace appropriate for young listeners. A preface provides background on Puerto Rico's relationship with the United States, and an included PDF details the history of the people and events portrayed in the poems.
Vega’s performance conveys strength and pride befitting this ode to the island and its people. (Picture book/poetry. 8-12)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2026
Duration: 33 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063577176
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Sept. 1, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2026
As the three boys discover their similarities, bond, and gain the support of caring adults, they become their true selves.
Three excellent narrators vividly portray three middle schoolers who meet in detention. The well-done audiobook adaptation includes added descriptions of the book’s visual elements. Kevin R. Free portrays art-loving Calvin Johnson, who is always late to school because his single father counts on him to care for his two younger brothers. Calvin tells his story in comic strips, and Free amps up the drama appropriately. Manny Fueyo has a notebook filled with lyrics, and Ramón de Ocampo speaks and raps Manny’s truths, which are peppered with Spanish words. De Ocampo’s performance conveys Manny’s passion for words, balanced with the hopelessness he feels about his incarcerated father. Mark Sanderlin depicts Liam’s intelligence and anxiety; he loves learning but hates the bullying he faces at school.
As the three boys discover their similarities, bond, and gain the support of caring adults, they become their true selves. (Fiction. 10-14)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2026
Duration: 4 hrs, 36 mins
DD ISBN: 9798898857059
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Sept. 29, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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