Narrator Arielle DeLisle channels the emotional core of this contemporary coming-of-age story, which explores faith, prejudice, friendship, and family in Little Italy. In the course of a few weeks, the comfortable patterns of 12-year-old Nella Sabatini's life are forever disrupted after she discovers something disturbing about her beloved father, finds out her Catholic school will be closing, and learns that a family friend mistakenly killed a young black man. Using a clipped, bright delivery to start, DeLisle highlights Nella's outwardly breezy personality; later she slows down and softens her voice to signal the young teen's troubled thoughts as she tries to make sense of the world around her. Despite the sometimes too quick pace, DeLisle's expressive performance is sure to engage young listeners.
(Fiction. 10-13)Pub Date: June 7, 2016
Duration: 6 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780062470133
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Morris delivers a charmingly relatable performance.
Cassandra Lee Morris captures the joys—and horrors—of seventh grade with her enthusiastic narration. Sadie is starting middle school along with her lifelong best friend, Olive. But when Sadie is accidentally added to the group chat for her grade's elite clique, she starts to feel that maybe one friend isn't enough. Morris perfectly captures the judgmental flippancy of a self-conscious seventh grade girl as Sadie attempts to hold onto her friendship with Olive. With careful intonation, Morris delivers every permutation of "LOL" in the text exchanges and conveys all the awkward feelings and nerve-wracking moments that Sadie experiences.
Morris delivers a charmingly relatable performance. (Fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: May 5, 2026
Duration: 6 hrs, 37 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063456037
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: today
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
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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