With each of its five narrators being voiced by a different actor, this story manages to remain engaging even while it takes a long time to build momentum. Abigail Revasch portrays Randi, a competitive gymnast whose mother micromanages her life. Robbie Daymond's Scott is well meaning, if a bit hyperactive and accident-prone. Trevor, who is desperate to avoid turning out like his abusive brother, is portrayed by Todd Haberkorn. The two featured characters of the production, Natalie and Gavin, are portrayed by Caitlin Davies and Ozzie Rodriguez. Natalie, an aspiring lawyer, speaks intentionally. Gavin, a football enthusiast with a learning disability, speaks slowly and thoughtfully. The story addresses complex issues and is sure to engage listeners.
(Fiction. 9-12)Pub Date: Oct. 3, 2017
Duration: 8 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781524782115
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Live Oak Media recently caught our attention with this new read-along book and cassette program. We listened first, and were so delighted we couldn't wait to get the book. The picture book made the experience even better, but the audio recordings was strong and vibrant by itself. THE GARDENER, Sarah Stewart's Depression-era story of a young girl sent to live with her Uncle Jim in the city has a sweet, wistful quality with narration alone, but coupled with David Small's soft-edged pencil illustration, it's a total delight. The reading is repeated on both sides of the tape, one with and without page-turning signals.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: N/A
Publisher: Live Oak Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
The plot, performances, and production are funny and engaging and make Pedro’s world feel vibrant and full.
This full cast audio rendition of a graphic memoir conveys the energy and brightness of that visual medium. The story recounts Pedro’s challenging but hopeful and humorous childhood as a migrant farmworker in the U.S., growing up with dreams of a life in the arts. Sound effects and musical interludes punctuate the narrative. Plates rattle as an earthquake shakes a restaurant, and birds sing in the bushes on a berry farm as Pedro’s family works. The animated performances by this large cast, especially the boyish voice of Oscar Emmanuel Fabela as Pedro, are perfect to hook preteen listeners—and adults, too.
The plot, performances, and production are funny and engaging and make Pedro’s world feel vibrant and full. (Graphic memoir. 10-16)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2026
Duration: 3 hrs, 38 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217349708
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Sept. 22, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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