Todd Haberkorn gives a genuinely moving performance of this poignant story about death and those left behind. Daniel Anderson looks back on the summer he was 14, when he met the beautiful, free-spirited Isabelle and learned the true meaning of friendship from an eccentric genius while struggling with the death of his older brother. There's a soft, almost tender quality to Haberkorn's tone that lends itself perfectly to the nostalgic air of the story. Haberkorn sets an appropriately slow pace, adding thoughtfully placed pauses that remind the listener that Daniel is reminiscing. His portrayal of Isabelle's precocious twin siblings is outstanding, with Jasper's endearing speech impediment being particularly noteworthy. This touching story, which reminds us what can be gained after a loss, is as beautifully narrated as it is written.
(Fiction. 11-15)Pub Date: Aug. 14, 2012
Duration: 4 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781469206691
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
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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