Laurine Price's beautiful singing voice enhances her narration of this audiobook about a biracial sixth grader who longs to shine. When Laura and her best friend, Tara, try out for the school musical, Lauren hopes that she will be the star instead of Tara, for once. But even after her audition brings down the house, Lauren is not cast as the lead because, being half-Chinese and half-Jewish, she doesn't look the part of the "all-American girl." With fresh youthfulness, Price believably portrays a range of middle school characters with distinct voices and personalities. Adult voices round out the story--from that of the condescending musical director to those of Lauren's bickering grandmothers, each with authentic-sounding accents that signal their Chinese and Jewish heritages.
(Fiction. 10-13)Pub Date: July 7, 2020
Duration: 5 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781338637410
Publisher: Scholastic Audiobooks
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Hartsough is well cast in this middle-grade novel.
Sixth grader Margot Stafford is navigating school, family, and a burgeoning interest in art. The perceptive Margot carefully observes those around her and worries about her mom, who suffers from depression and has a concerning new boyfriend. In Eevin Hartsough’s depiction, Margot sounds youthful and reflective, as befits an artistic and caring 12-year-old who is struggling with math as well as with shifting friendships, but who finds new direction working at an art gallery in town. Hartsough capably portrays a full cast of characters, including a vaguely accented teacher; Margot's older brother, Eli; her mom; and a stern neighbor, among others.
Hartsough is well cast in this middle-grade novel. (Fiction. 9-12)Pub Date: July 7, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 28 mins
DD ISBN: 9798898858520
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Aug. 18, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2026
A listen that will work best as a companion to the print book.
Cindy Kay narrates this first in a planned series. The story unfolds with the first meeting of the Skeleton and the Cat. The friendly Cat disturbs the Skeleton's solitary, peaceful home life, hoping to make a friend. Kay employs a perky, lighthearted voice for the Cat. He tries jokes, food, and dancing to make friends with the Skeleton, who does not joke, eat, or dance. She is aloof but never sounds unkind or impatient. As opposites often do, they become friends. Kay's narration is quiet, slow, and comforting, but unfortunately, some of the humor is visual and doesn’t translate to the audiobook.
A listen that will work best as a companion to the print book. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: July 7, 2026
Duration: 9 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063577213
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: July 21, 2026
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