Feature

Audiobooks on the Go: Summer Listening for Kids & Families
by Sharon Grover
illustrations by Lizzy Rockwell

Get ready, get set, read!

The summer reading marathon--otherwise known as the required reading list--is almost upon us. Students, and their parents, will soon become frantic about fulfilling the summer reading requirement. Teachers and parents want students to keep up and improve their skills by continuing to read during summer vacation. And students don't want to read anything "required" during vacation!

AudioFile has come to the rescue with a list of 50 great titles that can be listened to by middle school kids and families during those long drives to the beach or the mountains or when commuting to soccer, swimming, or other summer activities. These titles, found on many middle school summer reading lists, are just the ticket for turning what may seem like an onerous assignment into something fun.

And here's the best part: Listening to an audiobook has been proven to have a positive impact on reading skills. The latest education research shows that listening to a book improves comprehension, fluency, vocabulary development, and language acquisition.

So what are you waiting for?

Ready, Set, Listen!

Other Times & Places

BLOOD RED HORSE
K.M. Grant, read by Maggie Mash (Recorded Books)
Maggie Mash's sensitive and upbeat narration illuminates the story of a 13-year-old boy who is preparing to accompany Richard the Lionheart to the Crusades. Listeners will care deeply for everyone in this vivid and multilayered historical adventure. Gr. 6+

GODDESS OF YESTERDAY
Caroline Cooney, read by Christina Moore (Recorded Books)
This exciting look at the world of ancient Troy and Greece is seen through the eyes of the fictional Anaxandra and narrated with strength and grace by Christina Moore. A thoughtful piece of literature given even greater accessibility by Moore's superb, understated reading. Gr. 5+

JOURNEY TO THE RIVER SEA
Eva Ibbotson, read by Patricia Conolly (Recorded Books)
Maia is a wealthy orphan taken in by distant relatives she's never heard of in Brazil. The lush rainforest is a long way from the boarding schools of 1910 London. An old-fashioned yarn full of lovable (and detestable) characters is brought vividly to life as Patricia Conolly reinforces each character with wit and gentle irony. Gr. 4+

PRIVATE PEACEFUL
Michael Morpurgo, read by Jeff Woodman (Recorded Books)
Flashbacks tell the story of brothers Charlie and Thomas Peaceful against a backdrop of life on an English estate, school, and WWI. Jeff Woodman's narration is fully voiced and beautifully modulated, especially as Thomas progresses from boy to war-weary man. Gr. 7+

REVENGE OF THE WHALE
Nathaniel Philbrick, read by Taylor Mali (Audio Bookshelf)
After their whaleship, the ESSEX, was stove by a sperm whale in the Pacific in 1820, the ship's crew, including 14-year-old Thomas Nickerson, found themselves adrift in three lifeboats. Mali brings this group of hapless Nantucket sailors back to life. Sea chanteys performed by Richard Burbank with accompanying music lend an authentic sound. Gr. 6+

THE ROAD TO MEMPHIS
Mildred D. Taylor, read by Lynne Thigpen (Recorded Books)
Part of the Logan family saga that began with ROLL OF THUNDER, HEAR MY CRY. Teenaged Cassie and her brother are forced by racial injustice to put aside their lives and help an old friend escape trouble. Thigpen's deep, rich voice conveys the range of Cassie's feelings, from outspoken boldness to fear, grief and bewilderment. Gr. 8+

THE SEA OF TROLLS
Nancy Farmer, read by Gerard Doyle (Recorded Books)
It's the year 793, and fierce warriors come pillaging, carrying away Jack and his little sister, Lucy. Gerard Doyle's wonderful voice evokes an era of Vikings and magic and lands filled with trolls, dragons, giant spiders, and talking crows. Gr. 5+

THE TEACHER'S FUNERAL
Richard Peck, read by Dylan Baker (Listening Library)
Peck packs this book with history, quirky characters, humor, and poignancy. In early-twentieth-century Indiana, 15-year-old Russell dreams of escaping the dreary boredom of the one-room schoolhouse by jumping a train to the Dakotas. In a seamless performance, Dylan Baker convincingly brings each character to life, turning a great story into an even greater listening experience. Gr. 5+

TROY
Adèle Geras, read by Miriam Margolyes (Listening Library)
In an ambitious retelling of the story of the Trojan War, Geras lets the young people of King Priam's household spin out the tale. Margolyes is an unquestionable master here. She makes it possible for listeners to follow this multilayered saga with an astute performance. Gr. 9+

THE TRUTH ABOUT SPARROWS
Marian Hale, read by Emily Card (Listening Library)
Card's youthful interpretation of 12-year-old Sadie's anger and grief at being uprooted during the Great Depression will foster increased understanding of the economic, environmental, and emotional
difficulties of that time. Gr. 5+

WHEN MY NAME WAS KEOKO
Linda Sue Park, read by Norm Lee, Jenny Ikeda (Recorded Books)
In a fascinating look at Korea under Japanese occupation at the outbreak of WWII, brother and sister Sun-hee and Tal-yule are forced to learn Japanese and give up all things Korean, including their names. The story casts light on an era and place little known by young people in America today and, like all good history, lends an understanding of current events. Gr. 5+

Classics

ACROSS FIVE APRILS
Irene Hunt, read by Terry Brégy (Audio Bookshelf)
As he and his family confront the terror of the Civil War, Jethro takes on huge responsibilities and becomes a wise and compassionate young man. Terry Brégy projects a sense of wonder as he narrates the splendid text, portraying the distinctive voices and phraseology of an earlier era along with gentle humor and the reality of war. Gr. 6+

ANNE OF GREEN GABLES
L.M. Montgomery, read by Barbara Caruso (Recorded Books)
The classic story of orphaned Anne Shirley, who is sent to live on a farm on Prince Edward Island and who makes an enduring impression on those around her, is perfectly rendered by Caruso's commanding narration. Gr. 5+

AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS
Jules Verne, read by Jim Dale (Listening Library)
Phileas Fogg, the focused English gentleman, and his resilient servant, Passepartout, circumnavigate the globe in Verne's 1873 classic. Jim Dale's interplay with the characters shines, and listeners will enjoy Verne's satire, the geography, and the "modern" advances of travel in their nineteenth-century context. Gr. 6+

THE CALL OF THE WILD
Jack London, read by Frank Muller (Recorded Books)
Frank Muller's rich voice brings out the harsh reality of life in the Klondike for Buck the dog, stolen from his family to work the gold rush, and his eventual return to his wild roots. Gr. 6+

THE LORD OF THE RINGS:
THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING
THE TWO TOWERS
THE RETURN OF THE KING
J.R.R. Tolkien, read by Rob Inglis (Recorded Books)
Tolkien fashioned landscape and language for one of the most compelling fantasy creations of all time. Inglis skillfully traverses this magical world, bringing hobbits, dwarves, elves, and other enchanted creatures to life and plunging the listener into the great battle of good against evil. The Lord of the Rings movies have sparked renewed interest in these titles. Gr. 6+

THE RAILWAY CHILDREN
Edith Nesbit, read by Virginia Leishman (Recorded Books)
When their father is suddenly taken away, three children move from their stately London home to a poor cottage in the country. Virginia Leishman's reading of this wonderful novel about the innocence and adventure of childhood is in top form. Her gentle, genuine voice draws in listeners of all ages. This classic is an absolute listening pleasure. Gr. 5+

A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN
Betty Smith, read by Barbara Rosenblat (Recorded Books)
Francie Nolan learns about love and poverty as she grows up in the difficult times of the early 1900s. Rosenblat is the perfect narrator for this sometimes nostalgic, often stark coming-of-age classic. Gr. 6+

THE WAR OF THE WORLDS
H.G. Wells, read by Alexander Spencer (Recorded Books)
A dazzling reading of the original classic work by H.G. Wells conveys the intent of the author to predict some violent turns in the society of his time while creating a new literary genre: science fiction. Gr. 6+

Fantastic Worlds

THE AMULET OF SAMARKAND
THE GOLEM'S EYE
PTOLEMY'S GATE
Jonathan Stroud, read by Simon Jones (Listening Library)
Nathaniel, a young magician making his way in wizard-ruled Britain, summons Bartimaeus, a dangerous and irreverent 5,000-year-old djinni. Simon Jones excels at projecting their personalities. An alternate London told from a fresh viewpoint that will attract any listener with a yen for intelligent and humorous fantasy. Gr. 6+

CORALINE
Neil Gaiman, read by Neil Gaiman (Harper Audio)
When Coraline finds a mysterious corridor in her family's new flat, she must fight sinister forces determined to keep her and her family prisoner forever. Author Gaiman's soft-spoken voice lends to the overall darkness of the story, and his reading will leave teen and adult listeners alike captivated. Music from The Gothic Archies adds to an already haunting tale. Gr. 5+

THE DARK POND
Joseph Bruchac, read by Ramon de Ocampo (Recorded Books)
Armin Katchatorian--part Shawnee, part Armenian--is an outsider who is nearly killed by something evil in the pond near school. De Ocampo's narration captures Armie's anger and fear, and his pacing contributes nicely to the hair-raising nature of the story. Gr. 6+

THE GOLDEN COMPASS
THE SUBTLE KNIFE
THE AMBER SPYGLASS
Philip Pullman, performed by the author and a Full Cast (Listening Library)
The three books in Philp Pullman's His Dark Materials series feature stunning performances by Pullman and the actors, whose voices perfectly suit young Lyra and her friends and enemies. In <<The Subtle Knife>>, the voice of Will is perfectly poised on the brink of adolescence and stands in steely contrast to the bold and flamboyant rendering of Lyra's character. Gr. 7+

PENDRAGON: THE MERCHANT OF DEATH
D.J. MacHale, read by William Dufris (Brilliance Audio)
Fourteen-year-old Bobby Pendragon begins his new life as a Traveler, moving between worlds and time periods in this first installment in an adventure series. William Dufris presents a believable teenaged narrator who approaches everything with unbridled enthusiasm. Gr. 5+

RAVEN'S GATE
Anthony Horowitz, read by Simon Prebble (Recorded Books)
Orphaned teenager Matt, placed in a foster care program designed to get delinquents away from London's bad influences, learns that the fate of the world rests in his hands. Simon Prebble uses subtle shifts to build both the listener's empathy for Matt and distrust of his new guardian. This first in a series will find a ready audience among fantasy enthusiasts. Gr. 5+

SABRIEL
LIRAEL
ABHORSEN
Garth Nix, read by Tim Curry (Listening Library)
Nix's Old Kingdom is a deeply detailed world, intricately interwoven. Entering this world involves learning about Abhorsens, necromancers who wield free magic. Tim Curry brings authority to the trilogy, grounding the fantastic elements with nuance of character and depth of emotion. Nix's allegory of war and peace will draw fans of fantasy and strong heroines. Gr. 6+

SIGN OF THE QIN
L.G. Bass, read by Rosalyn Landor (Listening Library)
Drawing from the myths and legends of ancient China, this massive fantasy is firmly _ed by the robust narration of Rosalyn Landor. Filled to overflowing with Kung Fu fighters, dragons, an evil emperor, a prophecy of redemption, a tattooed monk, and a trickster monkey this will have great appeal to fans of martial arts. Gr. 6+

TIME STOPS FOR NO MOUSE
THE SANDS OF TIME
NO TIME LIKE SHOW TIME
Michael Hoeye, read by Campbell Scott (Listening Library)
Watchmaker mouse Hermux Tantamoq embarks on far-flung adventures. Campbell Scott captures the mood of quiet absurdity throughout. A superb choice for family listening. Gr. 6+

WOLF BROTHER
Michelle Paver, read by Ian McKellen (Harper Audio/Recorded Books)
Sent to fulfill a preordained prophecy, 12-year-old Torak finds himself alone in the world with only Wolf, a recently orphaned cub, to guide him. Ian McKellen enchants the listener with an eclectic narration that brings alive the story's action at every turn. Gr. 5+

Family & Community

BIG MOUTH AND UGLY GIRL
Joyce Carol Oates, read by Hilary Swank, Chad Lowe (Harper Audio)
Matt Donaghy, affable big mouth and vice president of the junior class, and Ursula Riggs, tough-spirited loner and hoops star, become emotionally entangled in the aftermath of Matt's joke about blowing up their high school. Screen celebs Hilary Swank and Chad Lowe deliver an audio recording that will be in huge demand by teens. Gr. 6+

BINDI BABES
BOLLYWOOD BABES
Narinder Dhami, read by Nina Wadia (Listening Library)
Amber, Jazz, and Geena Dhillon are three Indian sisters living with their father in England. Nina Wadia does an outstanding job narrating the comic twists of the sisters' various plots and draws an entertaining family portrait that is by turns funny and touching. Gr. 4+

THE BREADWINNER
Deborah Ellis, read by Rita Wolf (Listening Library)
Rita Wolf creates a lively, engaging young Parvana, through whose eyes we witness Taliban oppression in Afghanistan. This timely story of courage in extreme circumstances is sobering and chilling and is best-suited for older children--ideally those listening with an adult. Gr. 5+

BUDDHA BOY
Kathe Koja, read by a Full Cast (Full Cast Audio)
When high school sophomore Justin is assigned to a project with the new boy, dubbed "Buddha Boy" by the school bullies, Justin worries that he'll be unable to maintain his invisibility. But through their burgeoning friendship, Justin begins to understand the value of honoring oneself enough to rise above the fray. The full-cast recording helps to illuminate the path Justin takes to self-awareness. Gr. 7+

THE CANNING SEASON
Polly Hovarth, read by Julie Dretzin (Recorded Books)
91-year-old twins Tilly and Penpen are nothing alike, and with two teenaged girls visiting for the summer, all of their lives are due to change. Julie Dretzin perfects each personality, including the characteristics of typical teens--sometimes cocky and aggressive, other times showing vulnerability and lack of confidence. Gr. 8+

COLIBRI
Ann Cameron, read by Jacqueline Kim (Listening Library)
For almost as long as she can remember, Rosa has been traveling with the man she calls "Uncle." As they journey from one Guatemalan town to another, the real story of this fine young girl unfolds. Jacqueline Kim's empathy for Rosa is clear--there is little distance between narrator and heroine in this powerful recording. Gr. 5+

DUNK
David Lubar, read by Matt Golden, Craig Middleton, et al. (Full Cast Audio)
Chad is a teen living in a town on the New Jersey shore. This engrossing look at life behind the boardwalk will keep listeners close to their headphones. Gr. 7+

FISH
L.S. Matthews, read by Jenna Lamia (Listening Library)
Two aid workers and their child, Tiger, flee from an unnamed country with only their guide, a burro, and a fish that Tiger has rescued from a drying puddle. Lamia's subtle delivery captures the anguish and terror of this quiet story about the bravery and character growth that are born of desperate situations. Gr. 4+

FLUSH
Carl Hiaasen, read by Michael Welch (Listening Library)
Noah's dad is so mad about a casino boat dumping raw sewage into the waters of the Florida Keys that he sinks it. When the boat is re-floated and his dad goes to jail, Noah aims to succeed where his father failed. Michael Welch's youthful voice captures that combination of confidence and bewilderment that characterizes a teenager. Gr. 5+

GRANNY TORRELLI MAKES SOUP
Sharon Creech, read by Donna Murphy (Harper Audio/Recorded Books)
Creech is masterful as she weaves the parallel lives of Rosie and her grandmother into a warm kitchen fabric with all the smells, companionship, and healing powers of the cooking experience. Donna Murphy sparkles in her characterizations: Granny Torrelli exudes spunk and wisdom; Rosie personifies impetuousness and eventual understanding. Gr. 4+

INKHEART
INKSPELL
Cornelia Funke, read by Lynn Redgrave (Listening Library)
12-year-old Meggie and her bookbinder father grapple with wily villains, unsettling accomplices, and characters who can jump from stories into real life and vice versa in this intriguing, fastpaced, and provocative fantasy. Both the story and Lynn Redgrave's narration underscore the idea that power comes not from fear and might but from communication and love. Gr. 5+

MIRACLE'S BOYS
Jacqueline Woodson, read by Dulé Hill (Listening Library)
There's a lot of heart and warmth in this reading by Dulé Hill, who brings three brothers to life in a low-key, boys-in-the-'hood performance that lets listeners feel the pain without ever losing hope. Gr. 6+

NORMAN TUTTLE ON THE LAST FRONTIER
Tom Bodett, read by Tom Bodett (Listening Library)
Tom Bodett uses 15 related stories to weave a humorous tale of one boy's journey to manhood. Bodett's laid-back storytelling welcomes listeners. Gr. 5+

SAVING FRANCESCA
Melina Marchetta, read by Rebecca Macauley (Bolinda Audio)
With the help of loyal friends, Francesca copes with being one of only 30 female students at St. Sebastian's (formerly a school for boys) and dealing with her strong mother's sudden breakdown. The universal story of a young woman finding her way translates in all cultures. Gr. 9+

SEEDFOLKS
Paul Fleischman, read by Multiple Narrators (Audio Bookshelf)
Fleischman's touching novel about an abandoned inner-city lot transformed into a community garden is composed of 13 interwoven stories. One by one, strangers in the multicultural neighborhood overcome their prejudices and join in the gardening. Gr. 6+

THE TRUTH ABOUT FOREVER
Sarah Dessen, read by Stina Nielsen (Recorded Books)
In this first-person story of adolescent self-discovery, Macy deals with her father's sudden death. Macy's youthful uncertainty and yearning for answers and Stina Nielsen's appealing narration will resonate with teen listeners. Gr. 7+

THE WHALE RIDER
Witi Ihimaera, read by Jay Laga'aia (Bolinda Audio)
Maori culture is at the heart of this remarkable story of a girl's breaking of the male chain of descendants, her rejection by her great-grandfather, and her role in saving her people. New Zealander Jay Laga'aia effortlessly navigates the Maori names, facilitating the listener's entrance into another culture. Gr. 5+