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: June 27, 2023
Duration: 1 hr
DD ISBN: 9780593614419
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
As the three boys discover their similarities, bond, and gain the support of caring adults, they become their true selves.
Three excellent narrators vividly portray three middle schoolers who meet in detention. The well-done audiobook adaptation includes added descriptions of the book’s visual elements. Kevin R. Free portrays art-loving Calvin Johnson, who is always late to school because his single father counts on him to care for his two younger brothers. Calvin tells his story in comic strips, and Free amps up the drama appropriately. Manny Fueyo has a notebook filled with lyrics, and Ramón de Ocampo speaks and raps Manny’s truths, which are peppered with Spanish words. De Ocampo’s performance conveys Manny’s passion for words, balanced with the hopelessness he feels about his incarcerated father. Mark Sanderlin depicts Liam’s intelligence and anxiety; he loves learning but hates the bullying he faces at school.
As the three boys discover their similarities, bond, and gain the support of caring adults, they become their true selves. (Fiction. 10-14)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2026
Duration: 4 hrs, 36 mins
DD ISBN: 9798898857059
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Sept. 29, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2026
Far-north fun for emerging readers.
Narrator Mark Sanderlin guides listeners through this graphic early reader. When Wally Mammoth challenges friend Wolf to a game of hide-and-seek, it quickly becomes apparent that all-white Wolf has a notable advantage in their Arctic landscape. While their auk pal Otto’s voice is easily recognizable, Sanderlin’s vocal characterizations of Wally and Wolf are not so easily parsed, and they dominate the dialogue. This is one case where the audiobook and the print book should be experienced together. Even then, with no text other than speech balloons, this audiobook counts on its listeners to have some facility with letter and word recognition to accurately follow the banter.
Far-north fun for emerging readers. (Graphic early reader. 4-8)Pub Date: March 3, 2026
Duration: 3 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063478213
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: May 26, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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