Haddix weaves the historical facts of immigration, the struggle for women’s suffrage, the birth of the labor movement, and the devastating Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire of 1911 into the lives of three very different fictional young women. Bella is a newly arrived Italian immigrant; Yetta, a reform-minded Russian Jew; and Jane, the daughter of an upper-class businessman. Suzanne Toren distinguishes between immigrant and citizen, worker and boss, upper class and lower class, as well as between Italian, Yiddish, and English accents. She makes believable the unlikely friendship of the protagonists and creates an empathetic atmosphere that makes listeners admire the courage it took for these disenfranchised to stand up for themselves and demand their rights. An extensive author’s note fleshes out the historical context of the story. N.E.M. 2009 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine
Young AdultPub Date: Jan. 22, 2007
Duration: 11 hrs
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Chin’s narration balances a dramatic, fast-moving plot with lush descriptions and poignant historical details.
Katharine Chin masterfully conveys the many tensions of Lucy’s story. Found in a canoe floating to Orcas Island off the coast of Washington state and raised by a kindly benefactor, Lucy has always wondered about her parents and her heritage. She’s planning on heading off to college to make a fresh start—until she comes upon her benefactor’s severed head and is named heir of his estate. Chin’s propulsive narration plunges listeners into Lucy’s search to solve the murder and uncover the secrets of her origin; explain her connection with animals, including orcas; determine whom she truly loves; and find her place in the world.
Chin’s narration balances a dramatic, fast-moving plot with lush descriptions and poignant historical details. (Historical mystery. 12-18)Pub Date: March 17, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs, 22 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668160121
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: April 7, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2026
Desean Terry delivers a touching performance of this reimagining of "The Great Gatsby," in which the protagonists are gay Black prep school students. Aspiring journalist Nick Carrington leaves Oklahoma to begin school at Harlem's West Egg Academy. Out of his element, Nick keeps his gay identity a closely held secret, but love interest Jay Gatsby Jr.--the academy founder's son--openly embraces his own gay identity. As they write letters to each other, each more daring and affectionate than the last, they receive threats that their budding relationship will be exposed in the school newspaper. Terry clearly presents every piece of dialogue that warrants an emotional charge and adds subtle suspense to his straightforward tone when needed. Terry's narration is always on the money.
(Historical fiction. 13-18)Pub Date: Jan. 27, 2026
Duration: 10 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063312517
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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