Obedient fifth-grader Tamaya defends a bullied classmate in the woods and encounters a strange, fuzzy mud that causes inconceivable repercussions. She may have rescued her friend from the bully—but at what cost? Beginning with the lighthearted tone of a happy fifth-grader, Kathleen McInerney’s delivery changes as Tamaya's situation grows desperate. Listeners learn the true nature of the mud from excerpts of secret Congressional hearings, replicated in the style of actual hearings, with a full cast of senators, witnesses, and the whispered asides of the attending news reporter. The fear in the characters’ dialogue and the tension in the narration are palpable. This is classic sci-fi, which should spark conversation on overpopulation and the concept of the greater good. Don't miss the author's note, read by Sachar himself.
(Speculative fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: Aug. 4, 2015
Duration: 4 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780804121378
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Through Andromeda’s story, young listeners will learn more about the justice system and their rights.
Fifth grader Andromeda Diaz is concerned about her friend, Benji, who has been accused of stealing a valuable watch and is now facing charges. Andi, the daughter of two public defenders, doesn’t believe he committed the crime, and she works to figure out what really happened. Author Almanza, who was herself a public defender, performs her own work enthusiastically. Her narration style is casual, at times not quite nailing the rhythm of the text. While she’s not a professional narrator, her knowledge of the legal process shines through.
Through Andromeda’s story, young listeners will learn more about the justice system and their rights. (Mystery. 8-12)Pub Date: Sept. 8, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 11 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217352364
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Sept. 22, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2026
A sensitive performance.
Deepa is a precocious 12-year-old girl in remission from leukemia. Under the tutelage of her uncle, a house call doctor, she becomes involved in solving teen tennis player Taio's puzzling medical mystery. Deepa is unsure of herself, but she’s ready to get back to middle school after a year away for treatment. Narrator Soneela Nankani depicts Deepa's desire to be more than the "sick kid" while navigating her youthful insecurities and the social challenges of middle school. Nankani also ably portrays Deepa's growing confidence in herself as she uses her own experience with illness to help figure out what’s wrong with Taio.
A sensitive performance. (Fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: July 14, 2026
Duration: 6 hrs, 32 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668182833
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Aug. 24, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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