Em Grosland narrates this story of a school-picture day gone wrong. Andrew is a worrier, and today he has more than enough to worry about. Besides his best friend's new friends, his mom's new job, and his grandmother's worsening Alzheimer's, he has to spend his day dodging bullies, basketballs, ketchup rockets, and getting his photograph taken. Grosland expertly blends Andrew's wry sense of humor with his forthright explanations of his struggles with anxiety and obsessive behaviors. As the pressure builds inside Andrew, Grosland subtly increases their pitch and speed to mimic the sensations being described. The audio production effectively uses sound effects, lively music, and Grosland's exaggerated tones to stand in for the illustrated panels included in the print edition.
(Fiction. 10-14)Pub Date: Sept. 3, 2024
Duration: 4 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593945896
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Naeymi’s narration is both raw and triumphant.
Samara Naeymi beautifully narrates this middle-grade novel about an Iranian American girl. Bullied by her classmates for her frizzy hair and thick eyebrows and criticized by her mother for her weight, Yasmin struggles to be her authentic self in a world that tells her she's not good enough. There are many different perspectives in this story, and Naeymi is true to each: Yasmin’s judgmental mother, with her Persian accent and steely belief in her own harsh parenting; the ruthless teenagers whose hurtful comments cause emotional harm; the younger brother concerned for his sister's unhappiness; and the tried-and-true best friend.
Naeymi’s narration is both raw and triumphant. (Fiction. 10-14)Pub Date: March 24, 2026
Duration: 4 hrs, 51 mins
DD ISBN: 9798349114861
Publisher: Dreamscape
Review Posted Online: April 28, 2026
Marie’s assured delivery keeps the story relatable and engaging.
In querulous tones, Jeff Ebner introduces sixth grader Nigel as he struggles with the many things he has to be anxious about, including his parents’ separation; his best friend, Milo, dumping him; and Milo’s new friends, who bully him. Enter Jorjeana Marie’s Glory Bea, who’s hiding a family secret about her dad. She and Nigel form an endearing friendship until she’s humiliated and leaves school. Nigel builds a boat for Glory Bea for the school’s much-anticipated regatta, hoping to lure her back to class. Evocative descriptions of Glory Bea’s strong-willed, gay aunt; an unforgettable carnival with Nigel’s poor, queasy dad; and a problem-ridden class trip keep the action center stage for listeners.
Marie’s assured delivery keeps the story relatable and engaging. (Fiction. 9-13)Pub Date: March 17, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 46 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217409129
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: April 28, 2026
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