Narrator Adam Lazarre-White’s musical rhythms enhance the author’s lyricism. His soft tones express the intergenerational tenderness between Clayton and his grandfather, Cool Papa Byrd. They share a passion for music and the routine of a nightly story as Clayton drifts off to sleep. All that changes when Clayton wakes to discover that his grandfather has died. Clayton’s mother’s difficult past has left her no affection for the blues, or her father. She rids their home of the records and guitars that were intended for Clayton. In trouble at school and miserable at home, Clayton runs away, seeking musical connection. Instead he finds trouble that brings everything to a climax. Lazarre-White’s even tone captures Clayton’s circumspect temperament. His occasionally dissonant emotional notes reflect Clayton’s quiet grief in a way that is honest and poignant.
(Fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: May 9, 2017
Duration: 3 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780062682581
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Hartsough is well cast in this middle-grade novel.
Sixth grader Margot Stafford is navigating school, family, and a burgeoning interest in art. The perceptive Margot carefully observes those around her and worries about her mom, who suffers from depression and has a concerning new boyfriend. In Eevin Hartsough’s depiction, Margot sounds youthful and reflective, as befits an artistic and caring 12-year-old who is struggling with math as well as with shifting friendships, but who finds new direction working at an art gallery in town. Hartsough capably portrays a full cast of characters, including a vaguely accented teacher; Margot's older brother, Eli; her mom; and a stern neighbor, among others.
Hartsough is well cast in this middle-grade novel. (Fiction. 9-12)Pub Date: July 7, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 28 mins
DD ISBN: 9798898858520
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: today
A listen that will work best as a companion to the print book.
Cindy Kay narrates this first in a planned series. The story unfolds with the first meeting of the Skeleton and the Cat. The friendly Cat disturbs the Skeleton's solitary, peaceful home life, hoping to make a friend. Kay employs a perky, lighthearted voice for the Cat. He tries jokes, food, and dancing to make friends with the Skeleton, who does not joke, eat, or dance. She is aloof but never sounds unkind or impatient. As opposites often do, they become friends. Kay's narration is quiet, slow, and comforting, but unfortunately, some of the humor is visual and doesn’t translate to the audiobook.
A listen that will work best as a companion to the print book. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: July 7, 2026
Duration: 9 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063577213
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: July 21, 2026
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