Narrator Sarah Zimmerman captures the wonder in this middle-grade mystery set against the backdrop of a traveling circus. Mattie's family, the Marvelwood Magicians, are traveling performers whose talents--mind reading, fortune-telling, even invisibility--are entirely real. The Marvelwoods never seem to fit in, but when they join Master Morogh's Circus of Wonders, all that changes. Zimmerman sensitively conveys Mattie's shy delight at finding friends and a place to call home while also depicting her maturing understanding of the choices her parents have made. When tragedy strikes and the circus is put in danger, Zimmerman brings forth Mattie's determination to protect her loved ones and set things right. Ringing with sincerity, this dynamic and captivating audio is a perfect choice for family listening.
(Fantasy/mystery. 8-13)Pub Date: Oct. 30, 2019
Duration: 5 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781430144069
Publisher: Live Oak Media
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.
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