Category: audiobook

This audiobook is an autobiographical look at what it was like for the author to grow up in the 60s and 70s in South Carolina and New York. Read by the author and presented in free verse, it is easy to close your eyes and feel as though you are there. While a mature offering this audiobook is suitable for older children as they learn about tough topics such as the civil rights movement, being different, and what it means to grow up. Each poem is flawless and the author’s experiences and emotions are clear in each spoken word.

Bibliographic Information

2014

ISBN: 978-0-553-39726-0

Penguin Group

New York, New York

Ages 10+

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2YJPGea94E

Penguin Middle School. (2014, August 1). Jacqueline woodson brown girl dreaming author video . Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2YJPGea94E

A story about a group of kids trying to go to the Junior Olympics, the story is told by Guy Lockard. The audio book has a great deal of emotion as Guy Lockard creates a sense of emotion from the lead character that you nearly forget an adult is reading the book. While an entertaining book, parents may want to listen to it with their children to explain some of the references made since younger children may not understand them. Featuring concepts like being the best at something, anger, and learning how to be a part of the group this book is perfect for a lot of kids excited to read about an athlete.

Bibliographic Information

2016

ISBN: 978-1-5082-3048-9

Simon & Schuster Inc.

New York, New York

Ages 8+

92nd Street Y. (2016, December 1). National book award finalist jason reynolds reads from ghost . Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKpupNR-iqk

Read by the author, the book features a series of short stories instead of one long narrative. Nobody “Bod” Owens is growing up as the foster child of ghosts as he learns to navigate the realm of the living. As Bod grows he learns more lessons about joining the real world and how growing up means the loss of something valuable…childhood. The author reads the book with passion as he moves Bod through his childhood in two-year increments. A great experience for families to discuss what it means to grow up and to follow a likable character through various tough times.

Bibliographic Information

2008

ISBN: 978-0-06-155189-5

Harper Audio

New York, New York

Ages 10+

HarperKids. (2013, November 1). The graveyard book chapter 1, read by neil gaiman . Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Jp6n1xLnvo

A modern, children’s classic this series is perfect for families looking for well-acted audiobook adaptations. Jim Dale handles the story with ease, giving each character a distinct feeling and sound. Throughout all seven novels, Jim Dale takes the reader through seven years of the character’s life. Much like the author, this reading is iconic on its own and is a great opportunity for families to share audio together.

Bibliographic Information

1999

ISBN: 0807281956

Recorded Books

Prince Frederick, MD
Ages 8+

Audible. (2016, February 5). An interview with jim dale: narrator of the ‘harry potter’ series . Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whzhEIB9Qkg

A classic story that can be shared by families is available in audio format. After the release of the Disney movie, it is always fun for families to revisit the source material and perhaps fall in love with the quintet that has been around for more than 50 years. The reading is crisp and moves quickly, keeping interest aroused as Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin go through their adventures to rescue Meg and Charles Wallace’s father. It also creates a great ability for parents to discuss the idea of conformity that is present throughout the story with peer pressure being a part of life. This is an excellent classic to be loved by many.

Bibliographic Information

1993

ISBN: 978-0-307-91657-0

Listening Library

New York, New York

Ages 8+

Tera, G.  (2018, March 4). A wrinkle in time (time quintet 1) time quintet audiobook . Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL8KeeRJvGs5UeYxDAuFkeSx0FGRIRJdYS&time_continue=251&v=ujmqOhMoFk4