Charlie and Armstrong take turns recounting the events of their sixth-grade year at Wonderland Middle School during the 1970s, as the school opens its doors to African-American students. Narrator Ruffin Prentiss portrays Armstrong with a passionate and determined tone as he deals with the difficulties of attending a new school and facing the prejudices of his white classmates and teachers. Narrator Christopher Gebauer brings Charlie to life with an inquisitive tone as he starts to question his own racist actions and judgments as well as those of his friends and family. Karen Chilton creates a matter-of-fact yet compassionate voice for Mrs. Gaines, who interjects throughout the story to give a teacher's point of view. Listeners will be captivated by the strong characters in this powerful story of friendship and overcoming prejudice.
. (Historical fiction. 10-14)Pub Date: 2017
Duration: 7 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781501960109
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Complete with creative production touches, the result is a dark, satisfying listen.
Listeners don't just experience a fascinating historical drama--they also become steeped in a bloody gothic Western. Stellar performances are the center of this compelling listening experience. Narrator Marin Ireland fully embodies the beleaguered humanities professor who, while deep diving into the campus archive, discovers the story of her ancestors. At the same time, she is struggling with her tenure committee. In a deft transition back to 1912, Owen Teale's performance of a Lutheran pastor exhibits gravitas as he slowly unwinds the secrets of his relationship with Good Stab, a Blackfeet Indian who mysteriously appears in his congregation. Shane Ghostkeeper provides Good Stab with a subtle yet ferocious performance as the two face each other's buried truths.
Complete with creative production touches, the result is a dark, satisfying listen.Pub Date: N/A
Duration: N/A
DD ISBN: 9781234567890
Publisher: Troy's Publishing Company for Vicky Test
Review Posted Online: Feb. 4, 2026
Narrator Sunny Lu creates a passionate voice for seventh grader Luna in this coming-of-age realistic fiction. Luna leaves her introverted life behind when she becomes a bibliotherapist for her fellow classmates, recommending books to help them in times of need and eventually writing her own zines with the assistance of her best friend, Scott. Lu perfectly captures Luna's complex emotions as she abandons Scott and joins the popular group. Now rather than writing to help others, she starts to hurt others by writing about their faults and flaws in "fix-its." Listeners will relate to Luna's struggles as she loses her way and will cheer her on in hopes that she finds her way back.
(Fiction. 10-14)Pub Date: 2026
Duration: 6 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798217081578
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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