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
Catch up with the Miller family through the voice of the youngest child.
Keylor Leigh narrates this fifth and final novel in the Miller Family series, this time focusing on the youngest family member, 10-year-old Poppy. Still grieving the death of her father, Poppy is facing a Thanksgiving with lots of changes in the people around her—her brother, Billy, is returning from college; her lovelorn sister, Sal, is rebelling; and her mother has a new male friend. Luckily, Poppy has her art to help her cope. Leigh takes Poppy through these challenges with a youthful voice filled with exasperation, desperation, anticipation, and, always, love. Leigh ably conveys Sal's sarcasm and portrays Billy’s coming-of-age.
Catch up with the Miller family through the voice of the youngest child. (Fiction. 6-10)Pub Date: yesterday
Duration: 2 hrs, 4 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063517196
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Sept. 15, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2026
Arsenault’s passionate performance brings this alternative world to life.
Fourteen-year-old Tessa lives in a dystopian world with a leader who has banned books and taken away the personal liberties of its citizens. Elise Arsenault establishes a steady pace with her narration. When an older neighbor is taken to elder care, Tessa finds a box of forbidden books in her house that changes everything. Arsenault captures Tessa’s tumultuous emotions as she learns about the past and discovers that her long-lost twin brother, Theo, who disappeared years ago, may still be alive. Fans of Lowry’s The Giver will be intrigued by this world, one that feels frighteningly plausible.
Arsenault’s passionate performance brings this alternative world to life. (Dystopian. 9-12)Pub Date: Sept. 29, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 49 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063515130
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Aug. 9, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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