New Reviews: Children

Children are told in no uncertain terms that they matter in this touching and beautiful picture book. Author Tami Charles fills her narration of the lyrical text with emotion. The audiobook is written to encourage Black children and their loved ones to have conversations about how to be resilient in the face of life's difficulties. Charles's narration is gentle and kind. Music... Read More

Narrator Nazia Chaudhry brings upbeat energy to this story about a Pakistani-American girl's conflicted feelings about missing school during Eid. While she is excited about the festivities at the masjid, wearing her most beautiful shalwar kameez, and having her hands decorated with mehndi, Amira is sad to be missing picture day at school. Happily, she comes up with a solution... Read More

Author and narrator Areli Morales recounts her journey to the U.S. as an illegal immigrant. As the story begins, 5-year-old Areli is happily living with her grandmother in Mexico. Her parents are working in the U.S, and she misses them enormously. Then, leaving all she has known, Areli joins her parents in New York City. While she is overjoyed to be in the U.S., making friends... Read More

Returning to narrate the third installment of the Finding Langston trilogy, Dion Graham once again brings historical fiction for kids to life. Feeling the aftershocks of his father's death in the Port Chicago disaster, Clem is growing up in the shadow of a man he barely remembers. As his family adjusts to their new normal, Clem struggles with fear, bravery, and finding his... Read More

Author and editor Kwame Mbalia brings an outstanding ensemble of Black male and non-binary writers together in this timely audio anthology. Seventeen works portray the power of joy in Black boys' lives. The opening story's compelling message on the importance of sharing moments of joy creates a thematic framework for the collection. Every author's contribution--whether funny,... Read More

Alternating narrators MW Cartozian Wilson and Kirby Heyborne capture the struggles of two middle school students who are trying to settle into their authentic identities. Daniel is a sensitive eighth grader who tries but fails to fit the masculine mold people expect. Ash is a gender-fluid seventh grader who presents as a girl. When they become friends, they start to develop... Read More

Narrator Joel Richards perfectly introduces this charming new Christmas story. Stumpstinkle's Tree Farm is famous for large, lustrous trees, and each year the trees vie to be chosen for the farm's holiday sales. Listeners meet Calvin, the "littlest" tree, who tries his best to stretch and puff out in order to be chosen. Richards gives Calvin a chirpy voice, while older trees... Read More

On "Dead Wednesday," every eighth grader in this unusual audiobook is given the name and photo of a teen who died a preventable death. As the students go through the day, the townspeople behave as if the teens are invisible. The point is to drive home the kids' mortality. Narrator Kirby Heyborne voices the initial excitement of middle-schooler Robbie Tarnauer, who "becomes" the... Read More

Narrator Laurence Boxhall flawlessly presents endearing James as he faces his parents' divorce in this coming-of-age story. Listeners observe the close bond James has with his dog, Digger, and are saddened when James discovers a lump on Digger's leg. Boxhall skillfully introduces outstanding teacher Mr. Froggett, who warmly encourages his sixth graders to write poetry. Other... Read More

Narrator Michael Boatman is a one-man band of banjo plucks, chicken bocks, and a panoply of other sound effects in this clever and silly sequel to SKUNK AND BADGER. Odd couple Skunk and Badger have settled into a routine as roommates in Aunt Lula's brownstone. When they embark on a rock-finding expedition to Endless Lake, they make an unexpected and amazing discovery in a... Read More

Narrator Lori Felipe-Barkin is the voice of 12-year-old Julia in Sylvia Zeleny's first novel for English readers. She is wistful as she dreams of her family moving to El Paso, where her mother has family and where life would be easier and safer. Her voice is frank, and often angry, as she shares diary entries describing the poverty and violence in Juarez, Mexico, with strong... Read More

Roy Samuelson, who narrated Sheinkin's prize-winning BOMB, delivers his newest nonfiction. Listeners who were enthralled by the first audiobook will again be gripped, this time by his compelling dramatization of the Cold War era. Right away, Samuelson renders an impressive blow-by-blow account of a Russian espionage operation. As transitions back and forth in time provide... Read More

Narrator Ulka Simone Mohanty brings to life a vibrant world based on Bengali folklore. A fire-breathing rakkhosh (demon) named Pinki attends Ghatatkach Academy of Murder and Mayhem with her three young cousins. Pinki is frustrated growing up in the shadow of her parents, who were famous resistance fighters. Mohanty conveys her insecurities with relatable angst. When Pinki meets... Read More

The sixth audiobook in the Tales from Deckawoo Drive, narrated by William Jackson Harper, features young Franklin Endicott. Frank has an ever-growing list of worries. Then an errand with a neighbor results in Frank ending up with a key he doesn't recognize. "Whose key is it?" Frank worries. He must face his fears to solve the mystery. Opening music places listeners in the... Read More

Narrator Jillian Nguyen creates a youthful voice for Meixing, who has traveled across the ocean to a new land with her parents. Nguyen perfectly captures the curiosity and uncertainty that Meixing has as she adjusts to living in a new country and learning a new language. Her family's new home, which has certain peculiarities, was given to them by her late uncle. Meixing feels... Read More

If a beloved golden retriever had a voice, he would probably sound like P.J. Ochlan as he narrates this delightful story about Cosmo the dog and 10-year-old Max. Aware that Max is worried about his parents' frequent arguments, Cosmo is determined to fulfill Max's dream of competing in a canine-human dance competition. The story is told from Cosmo's point of view, and Ochlan... Read More

Narrator Varia Williams brings much joy to this delightful story. Eleven-year-old Josephine dreams of playing on her school's cricket team and, in doing so, helping her father rediscover his love of the game--which MIGHT distract him from the dating he's doing. But when she isn't allowed to try out and Daddy brings home yet another date, Josephine takes her anger out on a... Read More

Narrator Sophie Oda perfectly voices the tension, passion, and frustration that fill the life of middle-school student Jenna Sakai. Jenna is so over feeling bad about breaking up with her boyfriend and her parents' divorce. Attempting to move on, she decides to bury herself in her investigative article for her school's new journalism prize. Oda crafts varied and realistic... Read More

Narrator Zenia Starr's Indian accent adds authenticity to this middle-grade fantasy-adventure. Eleven-year-old Kiki Kallira struggles with anxiety, a feeling she does not understand--so she conceals it. To calm her overactive mind, Kiki finds refuge in drawing. She fills a sketchbook with favorite characters from Indian myths and reimagines the legendary kingdom of Mysore. But... Read More

Narrator Suzie Yeung brings to life both the popular culture of today and the magical world of Korean mythology in this fantasy adventure. Twelve-year-old Riley was adopted into a clan of gifted witches, but as a "saram"--one without magic--she is constantly aware of her outsider status. She will never be initiated as a witch herself. So when her 13-year-old sister's plan to... Read More

Prince Joel Makonnen, coauthor, and Prince Araya Mengesha, narrator, are members of the Ethiopian imperial family, so they bring real history to this fantasy. Yared doesn't fit in at school and has a strange life with his eccentric uncle. He feels most alive in HKO, the augmented-reality gaming tournament he's dominating. Mengesha crafts a lovable jokester as Yared deflects... Read More

Narrator Ramon de Ocampo gives Curtis--fifth-grade student and avid chef--a passionate voice. When he is offered the opportunity to compete in a special kids' edition of his favorite TV show, "Super Chef," his cooking skills will be put to the test. His life could change dramatically if he wins the prize money. The story ups the ante even more with Curtis's belief that the... Read More

Narrator Bahni Turpin embraces every emotional moment in this inspiring story for middle-grade science and IT enthusiasts. Maya's excitement to start fifth grade in a "science fair year" quickly fades when her two best friends move to a different teacher's class. Struggling with loneliness and self-doubt, she finds everything discouraging--until she discovers a homemade robot... Read More

Narrator Emmanuelle Mattana zestfully introduces a bandit family aptly named Robberson as they kidnap 10-year-old Maisie on her way to her grandmother's house. Listeners experience a rollicking time as the family and their trainee, Maisie, cross Finland, stealing what they need--particularly sweets. Maisie comes to enjoy the family, which is quite unlike her own. Mattana's best... Read More

Narrator Paul Collins delightfully introduces Dubliner Finn, who makes a disturbing discovery upon returning home from his morning walk--several bites are missing from his breakfast scone. Listeners sympathize when Finn sees four bright mouse eyes staring unapologetically at him. After consulting "Practical Advice on Common Household Pests," Finn hilariously writes several... Read More

This sequel to the well-known children's book, PAX, returns listeners to the world of Peter and his pet fox, Pax, who were separated by war. Here narrator Michael Curran-Dorsano transitions seamlessly between timeframes and points of view. A year after Pax and Peter's separation, Curran-Dorsano recounts Pax's joyful welcoming of fox cubs into the world. But his tone for Peter,... Read More

Narrator Maisy Wright-Smith enthusiastically introduces contemporary Sydney, Australia, and Lara, who has an adorable Aussie accent. This tale of magical transformation is presented as a narrative and a stage play. Listeners are transported when Lara meets abandoned Pierre in the attic of the house her mother is cleaning. Lara helps Pierre, who is using an enchanted puppet... Read More

Young listeners who are looking for a blend of fact and fiction may find answers to their scientific questions in this short audiobook. When someone throws up on the merry-go-round, the kids wonder why the vomit spins outward and are presented with a short lesson on centrifugal and centripetal forces. Narrator Keyla McClure delivers engaging enthusiasm to the simple story and... Read More

Native American author Joseph Bruchac narrates his novel in verse, capturing all its storytelling qualities on audio. Malian is visiting her grandparents on a Wabanaki reservation when the COVID-19 pandemic shuts down travel. She misses her parents but understands that she, her grandparents, and Malsum, the rez dog, must look after each other. Bruchac speaks slowly and... Read More

Sunny Lu narrates the third in Kelly Yang's Front Desk series. After delivering the first two audiobooks, Lu is firmly anchored in the winning persona of heroine Mia Tang. This adventure begins when Mia and her family return to their China homeland to visit. She leaves Los Angeles confused about her relationships with her two best friends and feeling stuck over how to achieve... Read More

Nora Hunter, who narrated LeZotte's first audiobook, SHOW ME A SIGN, narrates this sequel. She conveys the intense feelings of Mary Lambert, a sensitive, deaf 14-year-old who is still recovering from being kidnapped for the purpose of being used as a "live specimen." Mary has a passion for writing, and Hunter's reading of her beautifully composed words suggests Mary's talent.... Read More

This short audiobook for kids recounts the life of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman to be elected to Congress. Expertly narrated by Adenrele Ojo, Chisholm's story takes her from childhood in Barbados and New York to the U.S. House of Representatives. Ojo captures Chisholm's spirited, rebellious personality and passion for politics. Ojo's clear voice and even pacing make... Read More

Narrator Katie Anvil Rich brings vibrant characters to life in Smith's reimagining of PETER PAN. In this version, Lily is Muscogee Creek; her stepsister, Wendy, is English; and their younger brother, Michael, is both. As the siblings are swept off to Neverland, their stubbornness, creativity, and love for each other prove to be sizable challenges to the mores of Pan's volatile... Read More

Narrator Emily Woo Zeller transports listeners to the Hawaiian Islands with her laid-back tone and patois. For her 12th birthday, Oahu tween Alexis is given the biggest adventure puzzle yet from her mom, who is a naval intelligence contractor stationed on a submarine at sea. What starts as a way to pass the time becomes a lifeline when communication from the sub abruptly... Read More

Narrator Jennifer Ceci is the voice of the "Survivor Tree," which miraculously survived the 9/11 attack that toppled the Twin Towers and buried it. Her tone is light and proud as the tree recalls its early days of providing shade and beauty to workers and visitors to the World Trade Center. In those moments subtle wind and bird sounds add atmosphere. Ceci's voice, made more... Read More

Narrator Jax Jackson quickly convinces listeners of Bug's determination to acquire a sense of self before middle school. There are several reasons for this: his beloved Uncle Roddy's death, a ghostly presence that haunts his dreams, and viewpoints he holds that don't jibe with friends' interests. Jackson's delivery also conveys the deeper uncertainty this 11-year-old is facing.... Read More

Listeners will love hearing Amaka Obiechie's lively voice as she shares stories of Tola's life in Lagos, Nigeria. Young and sweet-voiced Tola and her family live in an apartment in the bustling city. Everybody calls her "Too Small Tola" because she is so little, but a trip to the market with her stern but loving Grandmommy helps her discover that she is also mighty. Obiechie... Read More

In this biographical look at artist Judith Scott told from her twin sister's point of view, young listeners are given a glimpse of the power of art. The story is told in short, spare poems, and author Joyce Scott's affection and reverence for her sister come through in her narration. Judith Scott was born with Down syndrome at a time when it was not understood. She spent most... Read More

Inspired by former football player Emmanuel Acho's popular video series, this audiobook is aimed primarily at young listeners who are unfamiliar with the basic concepts, history, and effects of systemic racism in America. The intent is to help kids along "the road to antiracist allyship," and narrator Landon Woodson supports this intent with the serious, encouraging tone of a... Read More

Music and sound effects accentuate the moods in this nonfiction picture book about the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921. January LaVoy narrates with a range of emotions. She opens cheerfully, detailing the thriving Black community's prosperity, reading the repeated refrains: "Once upon a time in Greenwood . . ." and "Once upon a time on Black Wall Street . . ." City sounds and... Read More

A full cast of Cherokee, Navajo, Choctaw, and Chickasaw narrators deliver a moving audiobook companion to an informative picture book. Listeners hear an introductory history of Native Nations in North America, and then a bustling classroom preparing for their Indigenous Peoples' Day assembly. Twelve students recite brief presentations in youthful voices as sound effects and... Read More

Narrator James Fouhey's talent for creating relatable personalities shines in this funny sci-fi adventure. Jake's parents found him 12 years ago when he was a shape-shifting glob of goo ejected from a distant planet. In human form, Jake has always appeared to be a regular kid, but lately he's been experiencing an inexplicable loss of control over his body. When a series of... Read More

Narrator Adam Lazarre-White has a deep, sonorous voice that lends dignity and importance to this picture-book biography of William Still, a lesser-known but major figure in the Underground Railroad system. Still was born free to formerly enslaved parents and later worked for the Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society. Mood-setting music and the sounds of nature accentuate milestones... Read More

Multiple narrators reenact interviews with authors on censorship and free expression. The discussions are between editor Leonard S. Marcus and 13 authors of controversial books for kids and young adults. Narrator Tom Parks reads all of Marcus's interview questions; each chapter features one author represented by a different narrator. Parks's delivery style is stiff, but the... Read More