Narrator Cassandra Morris brings the voice of a friendly 12-year-old to the family trials and tribulations of Esme. Distraught over the death of her loving grandfather and raised by her no-nonsense grandmother, Esme finds herself alternately following directives to pick peaches and escaping to the quiet of her grandfather's tractor, left on Solace Hill. When she discovers an unusual bone there--could it be a dinosaur's?--and her oft-absent father returns, change enters Esme's life, like it or not. Morris paces the story briskly and differentiates the supporting characters--family members, townspeople, and outsiders. When Esme is subjected to complicated situations--her mother's changing moods, for example--Morris's voice reflects Esme's attempts to puzzle them out. Overall, Morris's Esme sounds purposeful, upbeat, and receptive to new friendships.
(Historical fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: Aug. 14, 2018
Duration: 5 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780062840936
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Robinson makes listeners squirm with her performance of young campers facing a dystopian future.
Rioghnach Robinson channels middle school energy to narrate this story of Anna-Jane, who is excited to be returning to summer camp with friends. But this year will be different: News of a rapidly spreading virus is reported right before people outside camp start disappearing and mutated animals start appearing. The campers soon realize that no rescue is coming, and they must work together to survive while waiting out the virus. Robinson beautifully captures the emotional arc of the tweens, from delighted campers to terrified children to determined survivors. She conveys the thrill of young love and the volatility of friendship and believably characterizes both bullies and a science nerd.
Robinson makes listeners squirm with her performance of young campers facing a dystopian future. (Verse apocalyptic adventure. 9-13)Pub Date: April 28, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 21 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217172788
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: April 20, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2026
Ruby will win listeners over with her unique point of view.
Kate Coventry brings Ruby Emmerson, a middle school student with learning differences, to realistic, vibrant life. She and her twin brother, Bryce, have been accepted at the rigorous Benton Academy, where standards are high and failure is not tolerated. Even after getting extra help, Ruby fails a math test she worked hard to pass. When she anonymously posts online about her frustration in being “the mango among the lovebirds,” she’s surprised to discover she’s not the only student struggling. Coventry captures Ruby’s helplessness, anger, and eventual courage and determination as she misses her old friends at the neighborhood school, tries to fit in at Benton, and fights for the support all students need.
Ruby will win listeners over with her unique point of view. (Fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: April 14, 2026
Duration: 4 hrs, 18 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668658390
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: yesterday
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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