Leading a full cast, Felisha Wong exudes brio in this story of a seventh grader who gives herself an impromptu picture-day haircut in hopes of standing out. Wong bubbles with convincingly clueless confidence as Viv neglects best friends Al--short for Alexandra--and Milo while bullheadedly pursuing her "truth." Em Grosland and Davu Smith shine in these supporting roles, their voices sagging with disappointment at Viv's inattention. In the print edition, Sarah Sax's panels reveal that Viv, Milo, and many of their classmates are kids of color; their diversity does not come through in this audio adaptation. Gender diversity not explicit on the page, however, emerges in the thoughtful casting of trans actor Grosland as Al. A sweet take on the ups and downs of middle school.
(Graphic fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: 2023
Duration: 1 hr
DD ISBN: 9780593614419
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Robb Moreira summons a mythic tone for this original spinoff of the Aztec creation story. In Higuera's story, the feathered serpent god Quetzalcoatl's lesser-known brother, Xolotl, recounts "what really happened." Xolo has a dog's head, paws, and, most importantly, a love of humankind. Moreira's declamatory tones suit the epic nature of the story but also sometimes flatten the nuances of Higuera's characterizations. Listeners who don't seek out the print edition to accompany the audiobook will miss illustrator Mariana Ruiz Johnson's strikingly stylized figures, colorfully lush design, and critical narrative detail that's often communicated only in the illustrations. Those who do read and listen will occasionally find themselves zooming past wordless sequences that demand close attention. Both otherworldly and sweet--and perhaps best enjoyed in print.
(Mythology. 7-10)Pub Date: 2025
Duration: 1 hr
DD ISBN: 9798899735035
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A full cast dramatizes Janey's fourth-grade year, during which she's homeschooled aboard her parents' sailboat as they travel the Caribbean. There's much Janey likes about their peripatetic life, but she misses regular school, especially Rae, her best friend from third grade. But when they anchor in St. Thomas, she meets Astrid, a slightly older--and slightly dangerous--girl who lives aboard her family's boat. Terrific sound design immerses listeners in Janey's seagoing life, while solid casting creates fully realized characters. Ashley J. Hobbs and Rachel Jacobs, as Astrid and Rae, are good foils for Jesse Vilinsky's energetic Janey, who is growing more aware of the world around her. Based on the author's own experiences, the story is as messy and absorbing as real life.
(Graphic fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: 2025
Duration: 2 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781546173632
Publisher: Scholastic Audiobooks
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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