Author Lois Lowry narrates a heartrending historical account of lives lost during the events of Pearl Harbor and Hiroshima--all told in verse. Lowry details her childhood memories of growing up in Hawaii and later moving to Japan, including reverent depictions of sailors and citizens who perished during the horrendous events of WWII. Lowry's well-paced and gentle narration guides listeners through tragedy and hope, creating an approachable and immersive depiction that maintains emotional intensity. Her beautiful and sincere performance is intended for young listeners but doesn't require the illustrations in the print edition--although they would make an excellent companion to the audiobook.
(Memoir/poetry. 10-14)Pub Date: April 7, 2020
Duration: 38 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593151013
Publisher: Listening Library
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
The audio format brings something extra to these musical stories.
An ensemble of 11 narrators brings the stories in this collection to life. The stories from 17 authors showcase different Latin American musical styles and the ways that tweens connect to these cultures and traditions. Speaking in both English and Spanish, the narrators match the rhythms of these stories in verse. Alejandro Antonio Ruiz and Michelle Veintimilla sing and rap in “Magic in the Grooves.” Some authors read their own stories—Rico Pabón performs his “All the Heart in Harlem” with infectious enthusiasm. The production also includes music and sound effects: Guitar and other instruments, drumbeats, and the ambient sounds of the city and countryside all help set the scene and round out the performances, giving the collection a vibrant soundtrack.
The audio format brings something extra to these musical stories. (Verse anthology. 8-12)Pub Date: Aug. 25, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 2 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593864333
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Sept. 22, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2026
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