Narrator Jessica Almasy expresses the annoyance and frustration of middle schooler Elle, whose Grandpa Joe runs drills all too often to prepare for the end of the world. Then Elle discovers a credible scientist who predicts an asteroid will hit earth in a few months. Almasy emphasizes the tension in the story's timeline, increasing the intensity with Elle's growing fears. Almasy is gifted at portraying Elle's many relationships--her unease with the conflict between her grandfather and her incredulous father, her distrust of a frenemy, and her fear of losing her friendship with Mack, whose blindness seems much less a disability than Elle's discomfort with peers. Almasy's strongest portrayal is of Elle herself. To become a leader, she must learn to speak up for herself.
(Fiction. 11-13)Pub Date: Sept. 3, 2019
Duration: 7 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593104521
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 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: today
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: today
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2026
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