Ashley Callingbull gives a heartfelt narration of this story of Summer, a 12-year-old girl who starts having strange dreams while visiting family on the Cree reservation. Everyone is talking about researchers discovering unmarked children's graves at the nearby residential school. Summer is curious to learn more, but it's a painful history. Callingbull brings a youthful enthusiasm to her portrayals of Summer and her cousin Autumn, and deeper, more resonant voices for the elders who share their stories of the pain of separation from their families and culture. Summer slowly realizes that her dreams of a girl's escape from the residential schools during a blizzard may be more real than she first thought. Sweet moments with family provide joy that shines through in Callingbull's narration.
(Fiction. 10-14)Pub Date: Aug. 27, 2024
Duration: 2 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593943236
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 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: tomorrow
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2026
Lawrence enthusiastically portrays Cora and her friends in this fast-paced historical-fiction adventure.
Narrator Emily Lawrence creates a determined voice for Cora, who is desperately trying to survive the tragic 1906 earthquake in San Francisco with her two friends Chi and Oliver. Lawrence captures Cora’s tumultuous emotions as she and Chi are buried in rubble following the disaster and saved by her forbidden friend Oliver. Despite the bitter feud between their parents, Cora and Oliver work together to try to find her family as fire keeps spreading throughout their beloved city, all while running from bullies who are after Cora. Lawrence makes each character unique and adds a slight Irish accent for Oliver.
Lawrence enthusiastically portrays Cora and her friends in this fast-paced historical-fiction adventure. (Historical fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: March 3, 2026
Duration: 7 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9798225033521
Publisher: Scholastic Audio
Review Posted Online: Feb. 17, 2026
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