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
Through Andromeda’s story, young listeners will learn more about the justice system and their rights.
Fifth grader Andromeda Diaz is concerned about her friend, Benji, who has been accused of stealing a valuable watch and is now facing charges. Andi, the daughter of two public defenders, doesn’t believe he committed the crime, and she works to figure out what really happened. Author Almanza, who was herself a public defender, performs her own work enthusiastically. Her narration style is casual, at times not quite nailing the rhythm of the text. While she’s not a professional narrator, her knowledge of the legal process shines through.
Through Andromeda’s story, young listeners will learn more about the justice system and their rights. (Mystery. 8-12)Pub Date: Sept. 8, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 11 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217352364
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Sept. 23, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 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. 23, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
