Michael Crouch's voice suggests the unspoiled innocence of 11-year-old Perry, who has been raised in a coed correctional facility where his mother is incarcerated. Perry's enthusiasm for small pleasures expresses an appreciation born of his sheltered background. Crouch voices Perry's simple thoughts and comments, which reveal the rich perspective and wisdom he has derived from his nurturing mother and the male inmates who have raised him. The irony is painful when a district attorney decides to rescue Perry from his prison home. Crouch clearly conveys the D.A.'s ruthlessness. Kathleen McInerney, Perry's loving mother, burns with fury for the man and the legalities that separate her from her son. She fiercely hides the past as Perry determines to discover the truth. This poignant story inspires questions about truth, justice, family, and home.
(Fiction. 9-13)Pub Date: March 1, 2016
Duration: 9 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780062448187
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Through Andromeda’s story, young listeners will learn more about the justice system and their rights.
Fifth grader Andromeda Diaz is concerned about her friend, Benji, who has been accused of stealing a valuable watch and is now facing charges. Andi, the daughter of two public defenders, doesn’t believe he committed the crime, and she works to figure out what really happened. Author Almanza, who was herself a public defender, performs her own work enthusiastically. Her narration style is casual, at times not quite nailing the rhythm of the text. While she’s not a professional narrator, her knowledge of the legal process shines through.
Through Andromeda’s story, young listeners will learn more about the justice system and their rights. (Mystery. 8-12)Pub Date: Sept. 8, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 11 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217352364
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Sept. 22, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2026
A sensitive performance.
Deepa is a precocious 12-year-old girl in remission from leukemia. Under the tutelage of her uncle, a house call doctor, she becomes involved in solving teen tennis player Taio's puzzling medical mystery. Deepa is unsure of herself, but she’s ready to get back to middle school after a year away for treatment. Narrator Soneela Nankani depicts Deepa's desire to be more than the "sick kid" while navigating her youthful insecurities and the social challenges of middle school. Nankani also ably portrays Deepa's growing confidence in herself as she uses her own experience with illness to help figure out what’s wrong with Taio.
A sensitive performance. (Fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: July 14, 2026
Duration: 6 hrs, 32 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668182833
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Aug. 24, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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