Brigid Mai Khanh Leahy narrates the sequel to the author's award-winning work, OUTSIDE AND BACK AGAIN. This story begins two years after Ha and her family's arrival in Alabama after fleeing the Vietnam War. Leahy accounts for the line breaks of this novel-in-verse, producing a lyrical narration. She also depicts Ha's poignant emotions, her youthful voice aiding listeners in entering the protagonist's perspective. Now that Ha is finally adjusting to her new home in the U.S. and is finding friendship, she is stunned by her mother's decision to move from Alabama to Texas. Leahy delivers additional surprises, such as the arrival of Ha's period and the news of the Mai Lai massacre. Throughout, Leahy shows the resilience and adaptability of Ha and her family as they search for a home.
(Verse fiction. 9-12)Pub Date: May 9, 2023
Duration: 2 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063047037
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A listen that will work best as a companion to the print book.
Cindy Kay narrates this first in a planned series. The story unfolds with the first meeting of the Skeleton and the Cat. The friendly Cat disturbs the Skeleton's solitary, peaceful home life, hoping to make a friend. Kay employs a perky, lighthearted voice for the Cat. He tries jokes, food, and dancing to make friends with the Skeleton, who does not joke, eat, or dance. She is aloof but never sounds unkind or impatient. As opposites often do, they become friends. Kay's narration is quiet, slow, and comforting, but unfortunately, some of the humor is visual and doesn’t translate to the audiobook.
A listen that will work best as a companion to the print book. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: July 7, 2026
Duration: 9 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063577213
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: yesterday
Together, author and narrator create a three-dimensional character to root for.
Sunny Lu’s soft and youthful voice is perfect for April, a 12-year-old theater geek who happens to need a tracheostomy tube to help her breathe. April believes that her audition for the school play went so well that she’s sure to get the lead, so she’s devastated when she is confined to a backstage role because of her disability. Lu adapts her tone to each supporting character—April’s Chinese American parents; her best friend, Ruby, who lives by tarot cards; school bully Graham; and Zahra, whose activist mother wants to see more Muslims on the stage. April’s underhanded strategy to grab back the lead role sows discord until she finds a solution.
Together, author and narrator create a three-dimensional character to root for. (Fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: June 16, 2026
Duration: 7 hrs, 19 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217295906
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: yesterday
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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