Hazel’s best and only friend, Jack, has disappeared, yet no one else seems to notice. Hazel fears the worst and embarks on a quest to save her friend from a wicked ice queen in an enchanted land. The world of fairy tales can be dangerous, but for Hazel the real world of fifth grade is worse, so she’s up to the task at hand. Kirby Heyborne is a bit too slow paced in his delivery of the narrative, but he excels with dialogue and characterization. The listener easily pictures awkward Hazel, cocky tween boys, cruel witches, and helpful woodsmen. Even magical animals, ice, and wind come alive, thanks to Heyborne’s tones. This is a gem, and Heyborne makes the audio experience one to treasure with family.
Ages 8+Pub Date: Sept. 27, 2011
Duration: 7 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780062128737
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Arsenault’s passionate performance brings this alternative world to life.
Fourteen-year-old Tessa lives in a dystopian world with a leader who has banned books and taken away the personal liberties of its citizens. Elise Arsenault establishes a steady pace with her narration. When an older neighbor is taken to elder care, Tessa finds a box of forbidden books in her house that changes everything. Arsenault captures Tessa’s tumultuous emotions as she learns about the past and discovers that her long-lost twin brother, Theo, who disappeared years ago, may still be alive. Fans of Lowry’s The Giver will be intrigued by this world, one that feels frighteningly plausible.
Arsenault’s passionate performance brings this alternative world to life. (Dystopian. 9-12)Pub Date: Sept. 29, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 49 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063515130
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Aug. 9, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2026
A fun listen about standing up for what you believe in.
Sixth grader Jordi Acosta starts to take an interest in activism when two issues become significant in his life. First, books are being banned at the school library, and second, an energy company wants to drill in Yaupon Creek Wildlife Refuge, where he volunteers with his mom, a wildlife biologist who tends to cryptids there. Adi Cabral narrates at a quick pace, with a slightly sassy edge. They bring a wealth of variety to their depictions of middle schooler Jordi and his friends, creating different voices, from impudent to nerdy and nasal. Several characters have Southern accents.
A fun listen about standing up for what you believe in. (Fantasy. 9-12)Pub Date: Sept. 22, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 9 mins
DD ISBN: 9798349166136
Publisher: Dreamscape
Review Posted Online: Oct. 20, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
