An engaging, emotionally intelligent coming-of-age adventure rendered with authenticity.
Noah Keawekane’s warm narration makes this tale of 13-year-old Nohea Alapaʻi, a Hawaiian boy who’s descended on his absent father’s side from the shark king Kāmohoaliʻi, feel grounded and utterly believable. Thanks to his mom’s and grandmother’s perpetual fear of his “sharking out”—going berserk and chomping on someone—Nohea is growing up home-schooled and vegetarian. A surfing contest with a desperately needed cash prize launches him on a journey of connection and self-discovery. Keawekane’s smooth delivery shifts easily through different emotional registers, amplifying Nohea’s struggles with sharklike physical changes that mirror the chaos of puberty, exciting Hawaiian mythology, and touching scenes among family and friends.
An engaging, emotionally intelligent coming-of-age adventure rendered with authenticity.(Fantasy. 10-14)
Pub Date: May 5, 2026
Duration: 8 hrs, 57 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217341986
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: July 21, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2026
This powerful story will stay with listeners long after the last word has been spoken.
Aria Mia Loberti masters the voice of seventh grader Roxie, expressing the jumble of emotions she feels as she struggles to fit in and find acceptance as her unique self. She was bullied at her old school because her parents are blind. Will a fresh start in a new town lead to friends who will see Roxie for who she is? Loberti also gives supporting characters unique voices. She conveys little brother Theo’s excitement, classmate Quinn’s superior attitude, and the wisdom of Charlie, a boy who also has blind parents. Jeff Ebner is outstanding as Nash, Penny’s guide dog, narrating chapters from his perspective and expressing his patience and insight.
This powerful story will stay with listeners long after the last word has been spoken. (Fiction. 9-13)Pub Date: June 2, 2026
Duration: 7 hrs, 41 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217412556
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Aug. 4, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2026
The combination of sound effects and Quinn's exaggerated character voices make this animation for the ears.
Joshua Quinn narrates this short book featuring Waffles, a friendly dog who wants a hug, and his haughty housemate, Julius the cat. Quinn gives each a fitting voice—eager and goofy for Waffles, slow and somewhat disdainful for Julius. The two interact in typical cat and dog fashion. Classic cartoon-style sound effects accompany Waffles' attempts to hug his friend. Boings, zings, cymbal crashes, howling, meowing, and more punctuate the music and narration. Julius is not interested in hugs. After a day of trying, Waffles finally settles down for a nap to the sound of a music box lullaby. A tired Julius snuggles in beside him.
The combination of sound effects and Quinn's exaggerated character voices make this animation for the ears. (Picture book. 3-7)Pub Date: June 2, 2026
Duration: 7 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250443540
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: July 7, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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