Shannon Tyo narrates this middle-grade audiobook about friendship and the power of belief. Mallory never meant to exclude new girl Jennifer Chan, but Jennifer's belief in aliens and her open, sunny attitude mark her as just too weird. When Jennifer runs away, the story splits into "before" and "after" sections revealing the truth about how Mallory and others treated Jennifer and how they treat each other. Tyo voices Mallory's anxieties with powerful precision, emphasizing how differently she behaves around different friend groups. Tyo's specific tones for each classmate create a diverse soundscape of preteens. Carolyn Kang brings a contrasting brightness to her narration of Jennifer's journal entries, and author Tae Keller gives an affecting afterword about the emotional damage caused by bullying.
(Fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: April 26, 2022
Duration: 7 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780593559987
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: 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
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