Narrator Remy Hii balances humor and sorrow in this heartfelt story of new immigrants. Shortly after the death of their father, a baker, 11-year-old Jingwen and his little brother, Yanghao, emigrate from China to Australia, where they bake oodles of fanciful cakes to feel closer to the homeland they left behind. Hii accurately captures Jingwen's frustrations with grief, making friends, and learning English on "Mars." As Yanghao, Hii has the perfect squeal of a sugar-hyped but still lovable 9-year-old boy. Conversations in English that are indiscernible to Jingwen are effectively conveyed as high-pitched garble. Though listeners might miss the expressiveness of the original chapter book/graphic novel, this #ownvoices audio offers moments of self-discovery and sweetness.
(Graphic/fiction hybrid. 10-13)Pub Date: Dec. 17, 2019
Duration: 5 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593208427
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Robinson makes listeners squirm with her performance of young campers facing a dystopian future.
Rioghnach Robinson channels middle school energy to narrate this story of Anna-Jane, who is excited to be returning to summer camp with friends. But this year will be different: News of a rapidly spreading virus is reported right before people outside camp start disappearing and mutated animals start appearing. The campers soon realize that no rescue is coming, and they must work together to survive while waiting out the virus. Robinson beautifully captures the emotional arc of the tweens, from delighted campers to terrified children to determined survivors. She conveys the thrill of young love and the volatility of friendship and believably characterizes both bullies and a science nerd.
Robinson makes listeners squirm with her performance of young campers facing a dystopian future. (Verse apocalyptic adventure. 9-13)Pub Date: April 28, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 21 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217172788
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: April 20, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2026
Ruby will win listeners over with her unique point of view.
Kate Coventry brings Ruby Emmerson, a middle school student with learning differences, to realistic, vibrant life. She and her twin brother, Bryce, have been accepted at the rigorous Benton Academy, where standards are high and failure is not tolerated. Even after getting extra help, Ruby fails a math test she worked hard to pass. When she anonymously posts online about her frustration in being “the mango among the lovebirds,” she’s surprised to discover she’s not the only student struggling. Coventry captures Ruby’s helplessness, anger, and eventual courage and determination as she misses her old friends at the neighborhood school, tries to fit in at Benton, and fights for the support all students need.
Ruby will win listeners over with her unique point of view. (Fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: April 14, 2026
Duration: 4 hrs, 18 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668658390
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: today
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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