Author/narrator Vaunda Micheaux Nelson presents this nostalgic story in verse, set in 1960s Pittsburgh. Listeners meet endearing 11-year-old Cooper Dale, who is hoping to shine in her all-white school. Emotive descriptions of her family's horrified reaction to the Kennedy assassination and her delight at the Beatles are realistic. Nelson flawlessly presents the family's warm interactions and Cooper's maturing as she finds she was misled about a teacher others had maligned. Most poignant is her questioning of others on how they cope with constant racism as she learns about forgiveness from her mother and teacher. Learning about Cooper's favorite books, historical figures, and poetry is especially enhanced in the audio format.
(Verse historical fiction. 10-14)Pub Date: Jan. 7, 2025
Duration: 3 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798217019076
Publisher: Listening Library
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
This story of understanding, support, and love will move listeners.
Two narrators give voice to a class of students undertaking a writing assignment. Each student is assigned a family member, friend, or acquaintance and must write a short essay about giving that person a gift. The gift cannot be money, and it cannot be something that the person has wished for. VyVy Nguyen and David Lee Huynh tap into the teenage characters well—the good-natured complaining, the teasing, the energy, and the questions they ask. Both narrators also tap into the students’ hearts, offering serious and sincere performances as each gift is revealed to be compassionate and heartfelt.
This story of understanding, support, and love will move listeners. (Verse fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: April 7, 2026
Duration: 49 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063475861
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2026
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