Narrator Elizabeth Wiley superbly brings this extraordinary historical fiction to life. It's the start of summer vacation, 1953; the McCarthy Hearings are in full swing. Wiley uses a somber voice to narrate from the historical record. Her voice for 13-year-old Richard is full of curiosity, confusion, and a few cracks as he tries to navigate his world. With masterful intonation and pacing, she brings personality to Richard's overprotective mother, his troubled father, his precocious younger sister, and his neighbors, who are new immigrants. Richard finds a soul mate in the son, Vlad, and the world these neighbors expose him to forces him to examine what America means. This is a powerful cautionary tale, with lessons we still need to learn today.
(Historical fiction. 11-14)Pub Date: Sept. 19, 2017
Duration: 7 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781538429877
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Rey’s timeless performance makes this medieval adventure fascinating, frightening, and fun.
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: May 15, 2026
Higginbottom captures Rose’s spirited determination and anger as she fights for her existence.
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: yesterday
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