Audiobooks, 2012 List
Recorded Books
9781449849054
$46.75
2011
This hilariously funny romp stars Horton Halfpott, a lowly kitchen boy who gets ensnared in a plot to kidnap Lady Celia, with whom he has fallen in love. Ron Keith, the master of witty asides to the audience, is the perfect narrator for this arch Victorian rags-to-riches tale with its equal parts of comedy and mystery. Ages 9 to 12
Candlewick on Brilliance
9781455800797
$22.99
2011
Nine top young-adult authors and two talented narrators breathe sweaty authenticity into this set of linked short stories about "The Cage," a New York pick-up court, that celebrates the energy and the people who get in the game. Ages 12+
Listening Library
9780307915191
$40.00
2011
Briony fears she is a witch whose magic has harmed the ones she loves. When leonine Eldric returns to boggy Swampsea, their budding friendship unlocks new dangers as Briony struggles to untangle her past and her guilt. Billingsley's evocative language and Duerden's lush narration and nicely differentiated voices draw the listener into this magical and engrossing story. Ages 14+
Listening Library
9780307915313
$34.00
2011
Eavesdrop on the three youngest Penderwick sisters as they vacation in Maine, explore first love, discover unknown musical talent, and struggle with increased responsibilities. Susan Denaker’s narration of this third volume is as deft as the previous two, and her ability to create engaging characters masks the sometimes implausible but nonetheless satisfying plot. Ages 9 to 12
Scholastic
9780545315234
$44.99
2011
Beauty-queen survivalists, an Elvis-loving dictator, reality-show pirates: this book, which has everything you could want in a high-flying (or crash-landing) adventure, turns out to also be one of those rare instances when an author is the perfect narrator. Bray’s quirky voice is the embodiment of her writing style, each character is unique, and the amalgam of reality and absurdity is pitch-perfect. Ages 14+
Macmillan
9781427213563
$29.99
2011
“Grounded for life,” a young boy escapes his summer fate when his mother loans him out to help an eccentric elderly neighbor write obituaries in a town filled to the brim with odd-ball characters. Sly, dry, and slightly sharp-edged, Jack Gantos narrates this off-kilter fictional autobiography about . . . who else? . . . himself. Ages 11 to 13
Brilliance Audio
9781455803026
$19.99
2011
Trading ice-cream sandwiches for book reports, wheeler-dealer Charlie Joe has managed to get to middle school without ever reading an entire book. Once his scheme is discovered, he's forced to write his own book over summer vacation. He then produces this hilarious how-to-avoid reading guide. MacLeod Andrews' narration, which brings out Charlie's goofball humor, will delight reluctant and eager readers alike. Ages 9 to 12
Listening Library
9780307942135
$40.00
2011
Unfortunately for Vera, she knows what happened the night her best friend Charlie died, and, now, he’s demanding exoneration. Houck’s flat, matter-of-fact voice perfectly captures both Vera’s emotions and her edgy personality. The nonlinear narrative shifts occur seamlessly, and the alternating voices of Vera, her dad, the town pagoda, and “Charlie, the dead kid,” dovetail as the story unfolds. Ages 14+
Recorded Books
9781449846817
$97.75
2011
Although he’s a Necromancer, Sam doesn't know it until he crosses paths with a creepy stranger, gets beat up by a crazy henchman, and wakes to find a talking head on his doorstep. Dual narrators do an excellent job of capturing Sam's personality, especially his typically teenage sarcasm, as well as his antagonist’s grit and foreboding. Ages 14+
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