Ho perfectly captures Mei Mei’s complex emotions as she endures the most difficult and painful experience of her life.
Narrator Catherine Ho creates a determined voice for 12-year-old Mei Mei, a Chinese American girl living in 1880s San Francisco. Her parents send her to live with her aunt and uncle in Eureka, California, so she can attend school. Ho expresses Mei Mei’s anguish when her aunt and uncle force her to work instead of attending school, as promised. When a co-worker offers to teach Mei Mei to read, it gives her a taste of the freedom she longs for. When violence breaks out in the city, forcing Chinese people to leave, Ho’s narration becomes dramatic and fast-paced, reflecting the intense moment.
Ho perfectly captures Mei Mei’s complex emotions as she endures the most difficult and painful experience of her life. (Verse historical fiction. 10-14)Pub Date: Jan. 27, 2026
Duration: 2 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9798318537615
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: March 10, 2026
A heartfelt audiobook for the entire family to enjoy.
With a youthful voice, Jeff Ebner brings much emotion to this realistic middle-grade novel. Ten-year-old Nathan Savage is consumed with worry that the gigantic pile of trash across the street from his home is about to collapse. He’s even more worried that his father, who works at the top of said pile, is in extreme danger. It’s up to Nathan to devise a flawless plan to save the day. Ebner’s fast-paced, energetic narration moves the action along, engaging young listeners to the very last word.
A heartfelt audiobook for the entire family to enjoy.Pub Date: March 10, 2026
Duration: 4 hrs, 55 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217280445
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: April 4, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2026
A solid production with moments of real tension and conflict.
Skillful narration breathes life into Newbery-winner Keller’s tale of middle-grade angst, fate, friendship, climate change, and social media. In chapters told from the viewpoints of Nomi, Vi, and Arthur, each narrator delivers a nuanced, emotional, well-paced performance. Annie Q. Riegel imbues shy Vi with hurt and innocence as she experiences her first crush and regrets a poor choice. Sara Matsui-Colby injects focus and self-assurance into Nomi’s obsession with a book of “prophesies.” Eddy Lee captures Arthur’s reserved nature, which restrains him from supporting Vi and expressing his feelings for Nomi. The poetic prophecies of the Greek chorus, warmly delivered by Emily Woo Zeller, convey details that are unknown to the characters.
A solid production with moments of real tension and conflict. (Fiction. 10-14)Pub Date: March 3, 2026
Duration: 6 hrs, 3 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217156979
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: March 25, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2026
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