Middle school changes rock two friends in this curious story. Kind Asha, voiced in a solemn tone by Subhadra Newton, feels adrift when her best friend, Sam, switches to an elite private school. Their friendship developed early when they easily made space for each other's autistic traits. But Sam, portrayed by Gary Tiedemann with heavy doses of the bewilderment adolescence requires, is supposed to be putting all of his "issues" behind him if he's to succeed at Castleton Academy. When he befriends the cruel girl who lives in Donnybrooke, the mansion that is Asha's obsession, he finds himself quickly losing control and putting Asha at risk. The mansion also has a point of view in this story, and Daniel Henning brings its perspective alive with a haughty lilt and catty commentary, making it a warm presence in a sometimes chilling story.
(Fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: Feb. 8, 2022
Duration: 6 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593607763
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Arserio perfectly captures Hafsa’s boldness as she fights for herself and others.
Narrator Shiromi Arserio establishes a determined voice for Hafsa, a Pakistani village girl who longs to attend a summer science camp focused on medicine in the city to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor. At first, her parents firmly reject the idea, but after her sister’s husband insists that Hafsa could stay with them, her father relents. Arserio beautifully portrays Hafsa’s disappointment when she learns that the camp’s topic is climate change instead of medicine, and her resilience when she makes the most of it anyway. When Hafsa takes up the cause of finding a new home with better conditions for an elephant at the local zoo, Arserio’s energetic narration brings the story to life.
Arserio perfectly captures Hafsa’s boldness as she fights for herself and others. (Fiction. 9-13)Pub Date: March 10, 2026
Duration: 4 hrs, 24 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217280414
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: April 7, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2026
A heartfelt audiobook for the entire family to enjoy.
With a youthful voice, Jeff Ebner brings much emotion to this realistic middle-grade novel. Ten-year-old Nathan Savage is consumed with worry that the gigantic pile of trash across the street from his home is about to collapse. He’s even more worried that his father, who works at the top of said pile, is in extreme danger. It’s up to Nathan to devise a flawless plan to save the day. Ebner’s fast-paced, energetic narration moves the action along, engaging young listeners to the very last word.
A heartfelt audiobook for the entire family to enjoy. (Fiction. 10-14)Pub Date: March 10, 2026
Duration: 4 hrs, 55 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217280445
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: April 1, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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