Cassandra Morris is the ideal narrator for an enchanting tale that abounds with "storytellers" of all ages. Midnight Gulch, Tennessee, is the latest home for Felicity Juniper Pickle, her wandering mother, her little sister, and their old van, which is called “Pickled Jalapeno.” Morris captures Felicity, who has the gift of seeing words shimmer above people, places, and things and enjoys verbally sharing her unusual skill. Diverse characters are enhanced by Morris, including crotchety old ladies; bossy, chain-smoking Aunt Cleo; and Felicity’s very first friend, wheelchair user Jonah, who endlessly spreads joy to others. This story of magical realism is a rare treat that expresses a deep love of words and books. It’s a perfect diversion from technologically oriented entertainments. S.G.B. 2015 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine
Ages 8+Pub Date: Feb. 25, 2014
Duration: 8 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780545706803
Publisher: Scholastic Audiobooks
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Arsenault’s passionate performance brings this alternative world to life.
Fourteen-year-old Tessa lives in a dystopian world with a leader who has banned books and taken away the personal liberties of its citizens. Elise Arsenault establishes a steady pace with her narration. When an older neighbor is taken to elder care, Tessa finds a box of forbidden books in her house that changes everything. Arsenault captures Tessa’s tumultuous emotions as she learns about the past and discovers that her long-lost twin brother, Theo, who disappeared years ago, may still be alive. Fans of Lowry’s The Giver will be intrigued by this world, one that feels frighteningly plausible.
Arsenault’s passionate performance brings this alternative world to life. (Dystopian. 9-12)Pub Date: Sept. 29, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 49 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063515130
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Aug. 9, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: today
Simply marvelous.
Samuel West gives a riveting performance of this thrilling, action-packed adventure. When scholar Irian Guinne is kidnapped, Christopher and Anya, along with Jacques the dragon and Ratwin the ratatoska, embark on an odyssey across the Glimouria Archipelago to collect various magical objects and ransom Irian’s release. Christopher is also trying to master his new ability to connect directly to the minds of magical creatures. West doesn’t have a youthful voice, but he’s still completely convincing as the young characters, and he deftly captures every moment of humor, fear, peril, and wonder. In his telling, a dangerous race becomes breathless and impossible to pause, and the themes of love, bravery, and kindness ring true.
Simply marvelous. (Fantasy. 10-14)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2026
Duration: 8 hrs, 4 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593830123
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Sept. 14, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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