New Reviews: Children

A cast of narrators shares these stories, each told from the point of view of a supporting character from Riordan's Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard series. We hear from Halfborn Gunderson, Samirah al-Abbas, Alex Fierro, and more. In "So's Your Face!" narrator Sile Bermingham gives fiery einherji Mallory Keen an Irish lilt, and in "I Play with Fire," Bahni Turpin gets to... Read More

The straightforward, earnest narration Pete Cross brings to the story of America's sixteenth president suits both the well-researched narrative and the character of the beloved historical figure. In addition to the biography, this audiobook explains the lasting importance of several Constitutional amendments and the road to the Emancipation Proclamation, and provides contextual... Read More

An ensemble of narrators brings the bustle of a Renaissance fair, the vagaries of middle school, and the tribulations of a homeschooling family vividly to life. For 11-year-old Imogene Vega, the start of sixth grade and the opening of the Renaissance fair where her family works converge. Imogene is anxious about heading into a public school setting and eager to learn about the... Read More

Scott Lange's earnest narration of this audiobook about the first manned mission to circle the moon emphasizes the place it and the men who carried it out have taken in history. Lange's forthright presentation serves Sandler's goal in making clear the importance of the Apollo 8 mission by presenting it in context with the Gemini and Mercury missions, as well as giving an... Read More

Listeners travel back through time to explore the life of Harriet Tubman, guided by four African-American narrators. Lisa Renee-Pitts, Bahni Turpin, January LaVoy, and SiSi Aisha Johnson narrate in turn to describe Tubman's voice rising in protest as a suffragist, the heroics of General Tubman, the secrecy of her work as a Union spy, all the way back to her childhood as a slave... Read More

With even pacing and an impassioned tone, narrator Kate Rudd tells the tale of young Mup as her life falls into disarray soon after her auntie passes away. Witches from her mam's childhood attempt to capture her mam, now that she is next in line for the throne. When they fail to capture Mam, her dad is taken instead. Now Mup, her mam, and her younger brother must cross into... Read More

Sonia Sotomayor invites listeners to learn about her journey to becoming the first Latina Supreme Court Justice of the United States in this middle-grade adaptation of her memoir, MY BELOVED WORLD. Sotomayor narrates the prologue of her captivating story in an inspiring voice full of determination. Narrator Jamie Lee Ortiz then takes on Sotomayor's storytelling role, guiding... Read More

Author Matt de la Peña narrates this spare audiobook for young children, and his beautiful words need no embellishment. It's Carmela's birthday, and she's finally old enough to accompany her big brother on his errands. Outside, Carmela finds a puffy dandelion to make a wish on. Her wishes reflect the simple joys of childhood but also reflect the complex realities of a child of... Read More

Channie Waites's narration gives emotional heft to this historical fantasy for middle schoolers. Magdalys Roca is a Cuban orphan in Civil War-era New York City who discovers she can speak to the dinosaurs that are used for work in her world. When the Colored Orphanage Asylum burns down, she and her friends find themselves running for their lives. Nonstop action leaves little... Read More

Kirby Heyborne narrates this mystery/ghost story in the voice of Denis Egan, who was 7 when he disappeared and was found dead miles away. That was five years ago. Heyborne is a believable Denis as he decides to leave "Port Haven" to confront his twin brother so they can both move on. Heyborne also gives the other characters unique voices that bring them to life. The anger and... Read More

Andrew Eiden's youthful voice suits this emotional novel featuring 11-year-old budding cartoonist Lowen Grover. After the shooting death of Lowen's neighbor, a friend, he and his family move to a former mill town where houses are being sold for a dollar to boost the population and economy. The loss of the graphic images in the print edition is lessened by the use of an offstage... Read More

From the first minute, it's clear this audiobook is special. Even without words, the lilting guitar music, the irresistible laugh of a baby, and the tinkling of wind chimes set the mood of a young Hispanic family with high hopes. Adriana Sananes narrates this picture book's simple text with a positive spirit. With sounds of birds and surf in the background, she describes the... Read More

With steady pacing, narrator Laurel Lefkow chronicles the life of Eleanor Roosevelt through the lens of the Civil Rights movement, giving listeners a fresh perspective on this famous first lady. Lefkow's tone changes accordingly as she describes the challenges Eleanor faced throughout her life, including the loss of her parents, her husband's medical issues after contracting... Read More

Narrator Tara Sands commits herself enthusiastically to this supernatural adventure, pitching her narration to perfectly match the excitement of chasing a banshee through a Louisiana swamp. Young Evangeline Clement wants nothing more than to become a renowned haunt huntress like her mama and gran. When she and Gran are called to the aid of a woman overtaken by a dark force,... Read More

Amielynn Abellera exuberantly narrates the story of 12-year-old Nora, who lives in a most unlikely place--a vast shantytown perched atop graves in Manila's North Cemetery. Nora and her mother live hand-to-mouth, taking in laundry and selling daisy chains. When her mother goes missing, Nora frantically searches for her, and in the process, she discovers more friends and family... Read More

Lively animal sounds and the soothing voice of narrator Adriana Sananes make this a joyful listen for kids. Episodes in the life of iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo show her happy times as a young girl and her difficult time after the bus accident that left her permanently injured. Through it all, Frida's many pets and creatures, such as Bonito the parrot and her spider... Read More

Narrator Jordan Killam sets a light mood for a tale of one special zombie and a host of Halloween creatures. Ghoulia lives in Crumbling Manor and is observant of her auntie's rules, which include NOT leaving the grounds and NOT playing with the neighborhood children. But when Ghoulia overhears these same children discussing "one special night," she hatches a plan for... Read More

With charm and heart, Lincoln Hoppe narrates this story of a very good dog. Brodie comes to consciousness with no understanding of who or what he is. As he regains his memory of his life as the beloved pet of a child named Aiden, Brodie realizes that he must risk his place in heaven to protect his boy. Hoppe creates appealingly distinct voices for the animals who are the main... Read More

Mr. Panda announces his intention to go to bed. With deliberate slow and steady pacing, narrator Robertson Dean as Mr. Panda makes the rounds of other animals, checking in on their bedtime routines. It seems that Hippo, Skunk, Lemur, Sloth, and Sheep aren't up to snuff in terms of their habits, and Mr. Panda is quick to gently point out their faults. After all, teeth brushing... Read More

Qarie Marshall's straightforward narration and the production's accompanying music serve this informational children's title well. The audiobook is perfect for young listeners who gobble up scientific facts and is ideally paired with the detailed and captivating illustrations in the picture book. The narrative takes listeners on a journey through the Grand Canyon and its... Read More

It's WWII in the Pacific. Japanese student Hideki Kaneshiro, portrayed by narrator Todd Haberkorn, is afraid of the approaching Americans and unsure of the directions given to his brigade by the lieutenant: Use the two grenades given to him to kill as many Americans as they can and then kill themselves. Ray Majors, portrayed by Andrew Eiden, is a young Marine on a ship... Read More

Narrator Ben D'Amico captures the give-and-take of two brothers as they scrap, goof around, and shine in comradeship. Speaking from the older brother's perspective, D'Amico delivers all the varieties of inflection that one might expect from a brother who is quick to put down his younger sibling: no following, growling, being blamed for the other brother's antics, running to... Read More

This audiobook is a moving testament to the difficulties faced by African refugees in search of a better life. Ebo follows his brother, who has left their Ghanaian village in hopes of immigrating to Europe. He meets both helpful and brutal people during harrowing months of travel. The story employs multiple devices to mirror its dark atmosphere and the "word bubbles" of its... Read More

Narrator George Guidall's deep voice sets the context through a long, interesting introduction that describes the rich history of early-twentieth-century Yiddish authors, along with a description of how the Yiddish language wove its way into American culture. The stories that follow are divided by theme--bravery, rebellion, justice, and wonder--and are replete with strong moral... Read More

Narrator Brittany Pressley does her best to bring drama to this otherworldly steampunk story about a tenacious girl living on another planet in a house with its own angry spirit. After Cecelia's little brother, Celadon, dies tragically, his soul goes to the Land of Yesterday. Cecelia's mother is so distraught that she follows him there, so Cecelia, feeling responsible for his... Read More

Narrator Lauren Fortgang's varied accents and voices give even more personality to Turnage's cast of zany, lovable characters in this final book in the Tupelo Landing series. Sixth-grader Mo and the Desperado Detectives are investigating a new lead on the whereabouts of Mo's mother. Meanwhile, a treasure hunter enters the town to find lost pirate's booty, and the townspeople... Read More

Narrator Robbie Daymond brings the perfect amount of zaniness to the story of Greg, middle school punster and erstwhile magical being. Greg Belmont has always been ordinary, though his family has a history of colossally bad luck--especially on Thursdays. When Greg discovers that he's really a Dwarf and his best friend, Edwin, is an Elf, and that these two magical races have... Read More

John H. Mayer's performance will entertain and amuse listeners of all ages. He deftly captures Og's the frog's reflections on his days in the swamp with smooth affable tones and dry humor. Listeners will happily respond to Mayer's energetic renditions of Og's frog songs and candid comments on being Room 26's new class pet. Though unsure what life has in store for him, he likes... Read More

Bahni Turpin's and Adenrele Ojo's crisp style introduces 40 women who made an impact through their determination and innovation. These brief biographical sketches, filled with interesting information for young listeners, are narrated with energy and enthusiasm. Turpin and Ojo highlight author Harrison's appealing choices of women to learn about, whether they are familiar names... Read More

Narrator Jenna Lamia brings warmth and a strong sense of place to this charming and funny story of itinerant bakers who land in Halleluia, Mississippi. Eleven-year-old Emma has moved more times than she can count and is hesitant about making a new friend just to leave her again, but she thinks there might be something special about this town. Her five younger brothers acclimate... Read More

Narrator Cassandra Morris embraces the dreamy quality of Louisiana Elefante, one of three friends who first appeared in RAYMIE NIGHTINGALE. Here her grandmother, formerly a minor character, becomes a brutally strong force. She wakes Louisiana in the middle of the night and whisks her away from the stability she's found, pulling her into a mad plan for a "date with destiny."... Read More

Actress--and now children's author--Jenna Gavigan brings youthful energy to her animal and human characters, especially Lucy Louise, the chatty, precocious first-person protagonist. Lulu is a mouse who lives at the Shubert Theatre in New York City and dreams of starring on Broadway. It seems unlikely, but humans accept her without question. She spends as much time as possible... Read More

Narrator Maxwell Glick creates a full cast of dynamic and relatable characters in this humorous and heartfelt story. Last year a car crash killed Noah's father and left Noah without the use of his legs. Now he is navigating seventh grade in a wheelchair and having trouble adjusting emotionally and physically to all the changes in his life. With the help of his childhood friend,... Read More

Narrator Frankie Corzo presents a realistic portrayal of a young, first-generation Cuban-American's life in Florida. Sixth grader Merci Suárez is a scholarship student at an exclusive private school where she deals confidently with the class queen bee, boys, challenging school assignments, and preparing to try out for the school soccer team. At home, Merci lives with her... Read More

Narrator Kristin Condon delivers this story with all the regal pomp and circumstance it requires. Princess Devinaria wants to become an animal caretaker, but at Enchantasia's Royal Academy fairy godmother Olivina has other plans for her. No more gallivanting around woods and animals--Devin must learn to act like a proper princess and leave danger to the princes. Magic abounds,... Read More

Narrator Imani Parks brings a gentle and compassionate voice to the tender story of recovery following the sudden death of Fiona's dad. How can she; her younger brother, Finn; and their mother recover? It takes a village--in this case, the patients of the late Declan; neighbors, each touched by the words that Declan shared with them; and the staff and dogs at the local animal... Read More

This audio production is a companion piece to the L.A. Theatre Works/BBC 1992 adaption of MY TEACHER IS AN ALIEN. Duncan Dougal, played by an energetic and appropriately squeaky-voiced Arye Gross, picks up where sixth-grade alien fighter Susan Simmons left off. Duncan may not sound like the most studious middle schooler, but he knows something's up when he finds a weird... Read More

Lisa Bonet delivers a whirlwind interpretation of this timeless horror story for children. Adapted for a BBC co-production with L.A. Theatre Works in 1992, the tale of suspicions about a substitute teacher is action-packed. Bonet's portrayal of sixth grader Susan is exactly as breathless and flip as any tween would be when worrying about the messy details of friends, the school... Read More

As both author and narrator, Tim Federle delivers a wholly satisfying conclusion to his funny, smart, heartwarming Nate series. When Nate returns to Jankburg, Pennsylvania, after appearing on Broadway, he's sure that his freshman year of high school is going to be awful. After all, he's a boy who likes musicals (and, secretly, other boys)--and no one back home except his best... Read More

Narrator Greta Jung's voice is warm and child friendly. Her pacing is steady. As the story opens, Jung's voice radiate empathy for Yoomi, a youngster who loves almost everything her grandmother cooks except kimchi. When Yoomi shares her dislike of it, her older brothers' taunts of "baby, baby!" and their refusal to let her join in a big-kid game carry all the bite of older... Read More

With dazzling versatility, narrator Nancy Wu immerses listeners in this complex East Asian-inspired fantasy about a martial arts legend in the making. As a goodwill gesture from their home country of Shin, Peasprout Chen and her brother have been sent to study wu liu (a hybrid of figure skating and martial arts) at Pearl Famous Academy of Skate and Sword. Though eager to prove... Read More

Narrator Julia Whelan's lively voice draws adventure-loving young listeners into the stories of a princess superhero battling devious goat-eating monsters. No one suspects that the "prim and perfect Princess Magnolia" is really the fearless Princess in Black. Whelan deftly swings between the Princess in Black's sweet yet tough voice and the growls of monsters looking for... Read More

Jim Weiss's narration of this beloved story is full of his distinctive style and vivid characterizations. Leave it to Weiss to enthusiastically deliver the initial background material on the setting and history of the St. George legend. He then welcomes listeners into the tale with a voice that places them right in the story. His elongated words, pauses, and emphasis focus... Read More

Narrator Robin Miles replicates her stunning performance in this sequel to THE JUMBIES, but new listeners will be just as enthralled by this dark fairy tale set in the Caribbean. Shunned on her small island for her recently revealed part-jumbie heritage, Corinne bravely offers to help when several children go missing. Suspecting that the jumbies are at work, Corinne goes under... Read More

Narrator Rachel L. Jacobs's dynamic voice along with expert sound effects and music combine to delight listeners who love Rosie Revere and her fellow Questioneers. Rosie, a young engineer, has been asked by her great-great Aunt Rose to help with a fellow riveter's engineering emergency. Along with friends Ada Twist and Iggy Peck, Rosie tries, fails, tries, and fails, over and... Read More

Narrator Mike Grady's deep, gentle British voice welcomes listeners to a tale that spans British history from the time of King Arthur to the present. When Shylo Tawny-Tail, the runt of a rabbit litter, uncovers a plot to compromise the Queen, he decides to thwart the scheme. His ancient and outcast rabbit friend, Horatio, blesses him as he embarks on his journey to the... Read More

Kirby Heyborne narrates the short, poignant chapters of this audiobook, imbuing them with the inflections and emotions they deserve. Ten-year-old Louie is saddened when his father brings home a "pitiful donkey." Its mother is dying, and it probably won't live, but Louie--in an act of whim, love, and optimism--decides to save it. In the next moment, he names the spindly-legged... Read More

The genuine emotion in narrator Holly Linneman's voice helps contemporary kids relate to Trudy, a 12-year-old in 1966. When all the popular girls at her school leave Trudy's Beatles Fan Club to join Future Cheerleaders, Trudy is left with a misfit group of Beatles superfans in what is now the least popular club in school. She is disappointed but undeterred in her life's goal to... Read More

Set in a remote Australian town, this magical story of friendship, serendipity, and home is brought to life by narrator Wendy Bos. On her way to sleepaway camp, 11-year-old Quil happens upon an abandoned country store recently inherited by Bailey, a woman who has returned home after years away but who remains unsure what her next step will be. Alongside a spunky dog named... Read More

Narrator Renee Dorian gives voice to a relatable 11-year-old heroine in this atmospheric horror story perfect for Halloween listening. It is a sunny October day when Ollie steals a book from a hysterical woman who is trying to destroy it. As Ollie reads of a long-ago devil's bargain, she realizes it is the true history of the farm where her class is on a field trip. On the way... Read More

Tai and Mila have always been best friends, but differing interests threaten to break them apart in the weeks leading up to the start of eighth grade. Though the audiobook alternates viewpoints between the two girls, Bahni Turpin uses the same narrative voice throughout. Tai's and Mila's perspectives are so different that listeners won't be confused by the consistency in... Read More

Narrator Kirby Heyborne's deliberate narration lends a calm, steady demeanor to the introverted but tough protagonist of Hiaasen's latest adventure for kids. Billy--aka, Billy Big Stick--has a strong sense of justice and no problem taking on bullies who hurt innocent creatures, whether they're people or animals. His dad has had no contact with him since he left when Billy was... Read More

In a style more actionable than activist, Clinton's audiobook provides early elementary students with tools to make a difference in their own lives, as well as in the lives of others and in the preservation of our planet. From nutrition to conservation, author and narrator Clinton offers simple science, practical ideas, and stories of real kids making change. Clinton does not... Read More

Viviani Joffre Fedeler is full of spunk and pizzazz, thanks to the craft of narrator Brittany Pressley. She weaves Tubb's story masterfully, brining alive Viviani's wild imagination and exciting tales about what goes on in the New York Public Library. When a new girl named Merit enters Viviani's class, Viviani makes it her mission to become friends with her. But Merit does not... Read More

Narrator Kirby Heyborne creates a youthful tone for Aran, a young selkie, a mythical Celtic creature who takes human form on land and seal form in the sea. Aran wants only to "turn" so he can join the rest of his family in the ocean. When he doesn't turn as expected, Mam sends him to live with a woman named Maggie, while she tries to find a way to help him. As Aran struggles to... Read More

This powerful anthology of essays, poems, and songs thrums with purpose as the voices of talented narrators Bahni Turpin, Guy Lockard, January LaVoy, Soneela Nankani, and others combine. The collection is intended to provide children with hope and courage when they're confronted with injustice, racism, and hate. The narrators' voices are joyfully diverse, filled with... Read More

Gordon Korman never fails to create likable characters whom kids can relate to, and narrator Jonathan Todd Ross brings them to life with sympathy and humor. In a town called Stratford, new kid Cooper Vega and his seventh-grade class are preparing to perform ROMEO AND JULIET. As Cooper struggles to fit in, he discovers that his phone is haunted by the ghost of an Elizabethan... Read More

Kathleen McInerney narrates the expanded true story first revealed in the picture book FINDING WINNIE. Told from Winnie-the Pooh's perspective as a cub, the story begins as he is orphaned and bought by a Canadian soldier. From there, he sails to Europe and finally comes to the English zoo where A.A. Milne, the author of WINNIE-THE-POOH, brought his son. McInerney performs the... Read More

Nora Hunter voices 11-year-old Jilly P. with skill. Jilly's world is filled with life-changing moments: the birth of a sibling who has challenges with hearing, tension-filled extended family gatherings, emerging friendships to navigate in person and in an online chat room, and the death of a friend of a friend among them. Nora Hunter matches each situation with believably... Read More