Multimedia Reviews: July 2012

The Shout It Out Alphabet Film from A to Z. DVD. 11 min. with tchr’s. guide. Pyramid Media. 2010, 2012 release. ISBN unavail. single site: $59, public performance: $89.
PreS-Gr 4–Every letter has a story in this clever, artistic film by Lynn Smith. Animated collage elements combine to illustrate brief, humorous scenarios. To begin the action, viewers are introduced to a piecrust soon orbited by several airplanes that drop loads of apples into it. Next, an alligator saunters onto the scene and flips the pie on his snout a few times before he swallows it. An accordion appears, also flipped and consumed. Then the alligator dances with his new accordion-like body expanding and contracting to the accompanying piano music. The original piano soundtrack playfully enhances the action throughout the video, from dramatic to restful. The point of the non-narrated film is for viewers to shout out the words that begin with the letter focus of each story. The number of possible responses varies greatly, from one for the letter X to 17 for the letter B. Some of the answers are obvious, and some are more subtle. For example, in the letter C scenario, there are crayons, clowns, a cat, and cars, but younger students might not easily identify words like crash, chuckle, or cry. All viewers will appreciate the humor in these pieces. Since the production would be a great springboard for students’ own alphabet stories or artwork, it can be used with children beyond the first grade. A bonus film by Neely Gondiodsky features the alphabet song with a new tune illustrated with shots of the letters from a variety of neon signs. Overall, this excellent, sophisticated, but accessible program is highly recommended.–Constance Dickerson, Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library, OH

No Job for a Woman: The Women Who Fought to Report WWII. DVD. 61 min. Women Make Movies. 2011, 2012 release. $89.
Gr 9 Up–This documentary, narrated by actress Julianna Marguiles, concentrates on the lives of three groundbreaking women reporters who were among the 141 female war correspondents during World War II: wire-service reporter Ruth Cowan; magazine reporter Martha Gelhorn (perhaps better known today as Ernest Hemingway’s second wife); and photographer Dickey Chapelle. While it’s common today to see women reporting from war zones, in the 1940s the few women journalists in the press corps were consigned to reporting for the “women’s section” of the newspaper. The three women profiled here wanted to be where the action was, even if it meant sneaking aboard a hospital ship to be able to cover D-Day, as in the case of Gelhorn, or defying orders to capture photographs of wounded Marines from Iwo Jima, photos so powerful that Life magazine refused to run them. Each of these fascinating women’s stories is recreated by using actors in period costume reading from their letters and other writings, as well as by incorporating moving archival footage and stills from the era. Contemporary women war correspondents are also interviewed, as are academics who place these women’s accomplishments into historical perspective. The filmmaker also emphasizes the legacy of these pioneers, who changed not only the role of women in journalism, but also how war was reported by portraying its collateral damage on civilian populations rather than just tactics and battles. This outstanding film would be an excellent title for Women’s History Month or for high school American history classes.–Margo Tanenbaum, Rancho Cucamonga Public Library, CA

Beneath a Meth Moon. By Jacqueline Woodson. 3 CDs. 3:42 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2012. ISBN 978-1-4558-5451-6. $49.97.
Gr 8 Up–Laurel celebrated her 15th birthday huddled against the rain and begging for money. The few precious coins tossed in her direction were spent chasing the moon, trying to forget the past. This wasn’t always her life. She was happy during her pre-Hurricane Katrina days, but the drowning death of Mama and M’lady left her empty inside. Feeling displaced in her new home, Laurel meets Kaylee who convinces her to try out for the cheerleading squad. Yet the pain of her past continues gnawing inside until T-Boom, hot co-captain of the basketball team, offers her the moon—meth that helps her forget the past. Rehab and love are Laurel’s saving grace. Kaylee tells her to write an elegy—“write it into the past.” And so she does. Jacqueline Woodson’s fabulous novel (Penguin/Nancy Paulsen Bks., 2012) captures perfectly the decline from basketball cheerleader to street corner meth-head that begins with an innocent taste of the moon. This poignant story deftly tackles the strangling grip of addiction, its eroding power on family and friends, and the strength that hope and love offer for redemption. Narrator Cassandra Campbell is amazing in her ability to capture all the voices, from the southern, matriarchal pride of M’lady to the desperate pleas of a strung-out junkie and every character in between. A first pick choice!–Cheryl Preisendorfer, Twinsburg City Schools, OH

The Blood: Morpheus Road, Book 3. By D. J. McHale. 9 CDs. 10:43 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2012. ISBN 978-1-4233-9787-8. $69.97.
Gr 6-10–In the stunning finale (Aladdin, 2012) to D. J. McHale’s trilogy, Marshall Seaver and Cooper Foley must deal with the fallout from their failure to defeat the evil spirit, Damon. His hunt for the poleax continues, and the boys realize that if Damon is successful, he will truly destroy life, death, and everything that may come after in the spirit realms. As the seriousness of the situation weighs on each boy, they are forced to make some epically difficult decisions. Marshall goes so far as to make the ultimate sacrifice so that he might travel freely upon the Morpheus Road. Marsh and Coop even travel into The Blood, a dimension created to punish stunted souls with their worst memories, and meet a foe more evil than Damon. In order to save all of existence, Marshall must ally with Damon to defeat their new, more dangerous enemy. Though cataclysmic battles ensue, the boys learn that it is truly the nature of man, and his ability to forgive and trust, that will save mankind. Returning narrator, Nick Podehl, gives a riveting performance. From battle scenes to emotionally defeated monologues to heartfelt and hopeful speeches, every scene has the perfect vocal interpretation. Accents are well done, high emotions are clearly felt, and the pacing is superb. Libraries circulating the previous titles in the series will want to add this to their collections. Not to be missed!–Jessica Miller, West Springfield Public Library, MA

BZRK. By Michael Grant. 9 CDs. 10:21 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2012. ISBN 978-1-4558-7966-3. $59.97.
Gr 9 Up–In a near future world, the megalomaniac, conjoined twin Armstrong brothers are working to develop a Nexus Humanus, a peaceful world society with only one problem: an absence of free will. Pitted against them is a group of teen hackers who call themselves BZRK. There are actually two battlefields: the macro leve, where traditional methods of warfare are used, and “in the meat,” inside the brains of both battlers and world leaders. Those battles take place between nanobots and biots, mechanical and biological bits of nanotechnology controlled by “twitchers” that can rewire peoples’ brains. And, if a biot dies, his controller goes mad. From the moment the high intensity music begins each disc, narrator Nico Evers-Swindell brings to light the tension of the high-stakes drama in Michael Grant’s thriller (EgmontUSA, 2012). He provides realistic voices for the large multinational cast of characters, from Noah’s low key British accent to Sadie’s high class tough girl voice, from Ophelia’s soft Indian lilt to Dietrich’s precise German, with each character becoming instantly recognizable. This smart and complex story requires complete attention, and Evers-Swindell makes that easier by maintaining a high level of energy throughout.– Ann Brownson, Ballenger Teachers Center, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston

Curveball: The Year I Lost My Grip. By Jordan Sonnenblick. 5 CDs. 5:08 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2012. ISBN 978-1-61106-147-5. $49.97.
Gr 6-9–When an elbow injury abruptly ends Peter Friedman’s promising high school baseball career before it even starts, everything he always assumed about his life, his identity, and his future crumbles. Even though Pete knows he’ll never pitch again, he’s afraid to admit the truth. What’s more, Alzheimer’s Disease is claiming his beloved grandfather—and grandpa’s made Pete promise to keep his mental failings a secret. Not a great start to freshman year. Pete’s passion for photography and budding friendship with classmate Angelika (who might want to be more than just friends) might help him sort things out. But before Pete can truly move forward with life, he must be honest about his situation—to his friends, to his family, and, most importantly, to himself. Jordan Sonnenblick strikes a perfect balance between heartwarming and humorous in his latest novel (Scholastic, 2012). Tender moments between characters are believable and never melodramatic. Painfully awkward situations, while sometimes cringe-worthy, often spill into the realm of laugh-out-loud funny. Luke Daniels’s reading is stellar! Through his expert narration, already well-crafted characters live and breathe. Dialogue sparkles with wit, humor, and heart. This shining example of YA literature will make an excellent addition to collections.–Alissa LeMerise, Oxford Public Library, MI

Inside Out and Back Again. By Thanhha Lai. 2 cassettes or 2 CDs. 2:30 hrs. Recorded Books. 2012. cassette: ISBN 978-1-4640-2089-6, CD: ISBN 978-1-4640-2088-9. $25.75.
Gr 4-8–Spanning one Têt to the next from 1975 to 1976, Thanhha Lai’s semi-autobiographical novel (HarperCollins, 2011) is divided into four chapters: “Saigon,” “At Sea,” “Alabama,” “From Now On.” Hà, her mother, and her three brothers live in Saigon and her father has been missing in action for nine years. The threat of invasion from the North forces the family to flee on a South Vietnamese naval ship. After a rough trip, they are rescued by an American ship and go to America. They spend weeks in a tent city until a car lot owner sponsors the family and they move to Alabama. Hà faces discrimination, is bullied in school, makes new friends, and finally makes peace with the fact that her father is never coming home. This National Book Award winner and Newbery Honor Book offers a heart-breaking look at the costs of the Vietnam war, what it means to be an immigrant in a new country, and the strength of family. It ends on a hopeful note with the start of a new Têt and the hope for a bright future for the family. Doan Ly perfectly portrays Hà’s youth and innocence, and captures the humor and emotions of the situations, especially those involving the quirks of the English language. A great addition to library collections.–Sarah Flood, Breckinridge County Public Library, Hardinsburg, KY

The Riddle: The Second Book of Pellinor. By Alison Croggon. 16 CDs. 19:17 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2011. ISBN 978-1-4418-6281-5. $69.97.
Gr 8 Up–The second volume (2006) of Alison Croggon’s quartet is much darker than The Naming (2005, both Candlewick). Maerad the Fated One continues to learn about her unique bardic powers. Pursued by both Light and Dark, she and her mentor, Cadvan, flee across Annar in search of the elusive Treesong, an ancient power prophesized to defeat The Nameless One and restore balance to the world. Their quest leads them to the realm of the Winterking, powerful Elemental and ally to The Nameless One. To find the answers she seeks, Maerad must confront this formidable enemy and must also battle the darkness growing within. Just when hope seems lost, Maerad makes a startling discovery: the Treesong may have been with her all along. But her quest doesn’t end here. Croggon is a natural-born storyteller with a flair for exceptional character development. Maerad and Cadvan leap boldly from the pages, and even minor characters possess an uncommon depth. Her beautifully descriptive and poetic writing is reminiscent of fantasy master J.R.R. Tolkien. Narrator Eloise Oxer articulates all this to perfection. She gives distinct voices to each character, speaks the Annaren and Dhillarearen languages as though they were her native tongue, and vividly paints the world Croggon has created. A must-have for fantasy fans.–Alissa LeMerise, Oxford Public Library, MI

The Good Ms. Padgett Sings the Little Red Hen & Other Stories. CD. 22:07 min. CDBaby.com. 2012. ISBN unavail. $12.
PreS-Gr 3–Anna Padgett’s engaging album features her retellings of “The Little Red Hen,” “Goldilocks,” “Henny Penny” and “The Billy Goats Gruff.” In each tale, Padgett seamlessly transitions between spoken and sung words, creating clear, well-paced stories that teach children lessons but also entertain by providing passages that they can easily sing along with. The single guitar accompaniment perfectly accents the stories with whimsical tunes, while Padgett’s lively vocals keep listeners engaged. Each story is under six minutes, so they can be used easily in classrooms or story time settings. A welcome addition to collections.–Veronica De Fazio, Plainfield Public Library District, IL

Old Side of Young. CD. 35 min. CDBaby.com. 2012. ISBN unavail. $12.97.
PreS-Gr 4–From the Grammy Award-winning Battersby Duo (Tim and Laura) comes this serving of 11 original, humorous songs in various musical styles, including bluegrass, country, jazz, folk. and rock. With excellent vocals (and some lovely harmonies) and backup musicians on guitar, bass, fiddle, piano, drums, resonator, and dobro, the album celebrates positivity and inspiration. Tim uses his silly Cockney accent to great effect in “Elephant’s Toenails,” a song encouraging listeners to dine on all kinds of gross foods, and “Eat Beans” encourages healthier eating. In “Mayberry,” Tim hopes to teach children how to whistle. “E=MC 2” is a tribute to Albert Einstein, while “Blueprint” salutes Sir Roger Bannister’s 4-minute mile. The other songs include “Old Side of Young,” “Super Kid,” “Hey Baby,” “Cupcakes,” “Silly Boy,” and “Makeup.” Featuring excellent musicianship, and creative and humorous lyrics, this is an outstanding album for the whole family.–Beverly Wrigglesworth, San Antonio Public Library, TX

Over the Moon. 2 CDs. approx. 1:43 hrs. Over the Moon. 2012. ISBN unavail. $16.98.
PS-K–Twenty-six soft, soothing songs—mostly lullabies with a couple of exceptions—in musical styles ranging from folk to smooth jazz to easy listening, feature some of Broadway’s greatest vocalists, musicians, composers, and lyricists. Kate Dawson initiated this project in honor of a cousin who passed away from breast cancer. All vocal and instrumental performances (featuring piano, guitar, bass, strings, woodwinds, chimes, and accordion) are outstanding. Two of the pieces are instrumental only. Among the performers are Marva Hicks, Audra McDonald, Sutton Foster, and Vanessa Williams. The playlist includes “Little Sleepy Eyes,” “A Lullaby for Midnight,” “Onesie,” “A Father’s Lullaby,” “I’ll Always Be There,” “Poppy the Little Brown Bear,” “Riding a White Horse, “Sweet Child,” and more. A children’s chorus sings “The Man Who Invented Ice Cream.” Only one song doesn’t fit with the overall theme—“Yolanda” has lyrics more suited for adults and features clashing, dissonant chords that are too sophisticated for children and not in keeping with the soothing sounds of the other songs. Nevertheless, this is a superb lullaby album. Proceeds from its sale benefit breast cancer research, support, and education.–Beverly Wrigglesworth, San Antonio Public Library, TX

Wo!: Bobby Susser Songs for Children. CD. approx. 38 min. New Hope Records. 2012. ISBN unavail. $13.99.
PreS-Gr 4–Bobby Susser’s 25th album is one of his best! The vocals are clear and the harmonies are superb. This collection of child-centered tunes opens with the upbeat “Any Time of Day” (a tune that encourages singing). Susser passes lead vocals to Paula Atherton for “The Wo Wo Song” (a number that builds togetherness and camaraderie), takes it back for “Smiling Face” (encourages a positive attitude), and then duets with Atherton on “Oooh Good Morning” (a rise and shine song). Mixing up vocal combinations like this adds interest to the playlist of 12 songs. Other standouts include “Let’s Dance and Dance Forever” (movements are suggested in the lyrics), “I’m Ready to Rock n’ Roll” (a classic-sounding rock tune), and “The Music Gets Us Going” (a hot, jazzy number that draws its strength from the rhythm of the piece). Susser has added depth in the instrumentation on this production, and it makes a difference. The driving drums, walking bass lines, and humming guitars are often accented by a light flute, penny whistle, vocal harmonies, trumpet, saxophone, or string quartet. Susser has outdone himself, and these arrangements are guaranteed to draw in and engage listeners.–Stephanie Bange, Wright State University, Dayton, OH

The Hero in You. CD. 44:17 min. with booklet. Ellis Paul. 2012. ISBN unavail. $14.
K-Gr 5–Folk-pop singer/songwriter Ellis Paul turns his tremendous talents toward celebrating Americans who are heroes because of quiet accomplishments that will continue to have an effect for generations to come. The collection begins with the fitting original tune, “The Hero in You,” before strolling through history and presenting heroes such as Nellie Bly, Woody Guthrie, Chief Joseph, Jackie Robinson, Ben Franklin, Martha Graham, and Rosa Parks. Backed by beautiful melodies, Paul tells each person’s story through touching, often thought-provoking lyrics. All of the songs are sung by Paul; “Thomas Edison” is a spoken-word story. This superb album would be a great discussion starter and would work well in classrooms when introducing various periods of history A terrific addition for school and public library collections.–Veronica De Fazio, Plainfield Public Library District, IL

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The following titles are reviewed in the July 1 print issue. Visit Book Verdict for the full reviews.

DVD

Business Education

Advertising in the Digital Age. DVD. 22 min. with tchr’s. guide. Learning ZoneXpress. 2012. ISBN unavail. $79.95

Early Childhood

Gustafer Yellowgold’s Year in a Day. DVD. 2 hrs. with CD. Prod. by Apple-Eye Prods. Dist. by gustafer-store.net. 2012. ISBN unavail. $19.99.

Snapatoonies, Episode 2: Magical Color Caller. DVD. approx. 30 min. Snapatoonies. 2012. ISBN 978-1-937393-01-4. $24.95.

Foreign Languages

La Fiesta de Fritzi/Fritzi’s Party (Spanish for Kids Series). DVD. 30 min. with tchr’s. guide. Whistlefritz. 2011. ISBN unavail. $19.99.

Guidance–Careers

Common Job Interview Mistakes: What NOT to Say or Do. DVD. 25 min. Prod. by Cambridge Educational and MotionMasters. Dist. by Cambridge Educational. 2012. ISBN 978-1-62102-250-3. $99.95.

In-Service

Digital Media: New Learners of the 21st Century. DVD. 60 min. Prod. by Twin Cities Public Television and Mobile Digital Arts. Dist. by PBS Dist. 2010, 2011 release. ISBN 978-1-60883-598-0. $24.95.

Language Arts

The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn. DVD. 107 min. Paramount Home Entertainment. 2012. $29.99; DVD & Blu-ray: $44.99; DVD, Blu-ray & Digital: $54.99.

Big Drive. DVD. 10 min. National Film Board of Canada. 2011, 2012 release. ISBN unavail. $129.

Great Expectations (Masterpiece Classic Series). DVD. 3 hrs. Prod. by BBC. Dist. by PBS Dist. 2012. ISBN 978-1-60883-663-5. $24.99; Blu-ray: $29.99.

Spot and His Grandparents Go to the Carnival. DVD. 40 min. Prod. by BBC Worldwide. Dist. by Warner Home Video. 2012. ISBN 0-7806-9255-1. $9.97.

Sunday. DVD. 10 min. National Film Board of Canada. 2011, 2012 release. ISBN unavail. $129.

Performing Arts

Shakespeare High. DVD. 81 min. Cinema Guild. 2011. ISBN 0-7815-1398-7. $99.95.

Science

Daily Planet—The Invention & Technology Series: Robots for Progress. DVD. 45 min. Prod. by Exploration Prod. Dist. by Cerebellum. 2008, 2012 release. ISBN 978-1-61867-126-4. $39.95.

Dinosaurs: On the Trail of Prehistory.

DVD. 53 min. Prod. by Java Films. Dist. by Films Media Group. 2011. ISBN 978-1-62102-126-1. $179.95.

Social Studies

American Experience: Jesse Owens. DVD. 60 min. with tchr’s. guide online. Prod. by WGBH Boston. Dist. by PBS Dist. 2012. ISBN ISBN 978-1-60883-641-3. $24.99.

Our Summer in Tehran. DVD. 59 min. Cinema Guild. 2011. ISBN unavail. $99.95.

Test-Taking Skills

Private Tutor: Your Complete SAT Writing Prep Course with Amy Lucas. 2 DVDs. with workbook. Private Tutor SAT. 2012. ISBN unavail. DVD: $29.95 ea., book: $29.95.

Women’s Studies

Girl Power: All Dolled Up. DVD. 24 min. Women Make Movies. 2011, 2012 release. ISBN unavail. $89.

AUDIO

Many of these titles are available for download and/or in Playaway format. Check distributors’ websites, playaway.com, and audio download retailers for availability and price.

Language Arts

Boy Wonders. By Calef Brown. cassette or CD. 15 min. Recorded Books. 2012. cassette: ISBN 978-1-4640-2059-9, CD ISBN 978-1-2057-5. $15.75.

The Catastrophic History of You and Me. By Jess Rothenberg. 8 cassettes or 8 CDs. 8:45 hrs. Recorded Books. 2012. cassette: ISBN 978-1-4640-3352-0, CD: ISBN 978-1-4640-3351-3. $87.75.

Check Please!: Frankly, Frannie, Book 3. By A.J. Stern. cassette or CD. 1:50 hrs. Recorded Books. 2012. cassette: ISBN 978-1-4618-1759-8, CD: ISBN 978-1-4618-1760-4. $25.75.

Daughters of Eve. By Lois Duncan. 6 CDs. 7 hrs. Prod. by Hachette Audio. Dist. by AudioGo. 2011. ISBN 978-1-61113-806-1. $64.99.

Dear America: With the Might of Angels. By Andrea Pinkney. 6 CDs. 6:37 hrs. Scholastic Audiobooks. 2011. ISBN 978-0-545-35405-9. $29.99.

Dumpling Days. By Grace Lin. 5 cassettes or 5 CDs. 6 hrs. Recorded Book. 2012. cassette: ISBN 978-1-4640-1541-0, CD: ISBN 978-1-4640-1539-7. $51.75.

Earwig and the Witch. By Diana Wynne Jones. cassette or CD. 1 hr. Recorded Books. 2012. cassette: ISBN 978-1-4618-2493-0, CD: 978-1-4618-2492-3. $15.75.

Fun with Dear Dragon, Vol. 4. By Margaret Hillert. GoReader preloaded with 4 audiobooks. range: 6:30-10:20 min. with 4 hardcover books. Norwood House Press. 2011, 2012 release. ISBN 978-1-60357-320-7. $99.99. Includes: Dear Dragon’s Colors 1,2,3; Dear Dragon’s A Is for Apple; Dear Dragon Goes to the Library; Dear Dragon Goes to the Zoo.

The Girl Who Could Silence the Wind. By Meg Medina. 5 CDs. 5:02 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2012. ISBN 978-1-4558-5196-6. $54.97.

Henry and Mudge and a Very Merry Christmas. By Cynthia Rylant. CD. 9:09 min. with paperback book. Live Oak Media. 2011. ISBN 978-1-4301-0963-1. $18.95.

Jessica Rules the Dark Side. By Beth Fantaskey. 7 cassettes or 7 CDs. 8:45 hrs. Recorded Books. 2012. cassette: ISBN 978-1-4498-0692-7, CD: ISBN 978-1-4640-1866-4. $77.75.

Maxwell Moose’s Mountain Monster (Animal Antics A to Z Series). By Barbara deRuberts. CD. 16 min. Kane Press. 2012. ISBN 978-1-57565-406-5. $7.95: paperback book, ISBN 978-1-57565-325-9: $7.95.

My Blood Approves. By Amanda Hocking. 8 CDs. 9:21 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2012. ISBN 978-1-4458-5835-4. $49.97.

On Blazing Wings. By L. Ron Hubbard. 2 CDs. 2 hrs. Galaxy Press. 2011. ISBN 978-1-59212-232-5. $9.95.

One Cool Friend. By Toni Buzzeo. cassette or CD. 15 min. Recorded Books. 2012. cassette: ISBN 978-1-4640-3572-2, CD: ISBN 978-1-4640-3571-5. $15.75; book, ISBN 978-0-8037-3413-5: $16.99.

Princess Posey and the Perfect Present.

By Stephanie Greene. cassette or CD. 30 min. Recorded Books. 2012. cassette: ISBN 978-1-4618-1839-7, CD: ISBN 978-1-4618-1840-3. $15.75.

The Rescuers. By Anne Schraff. 3 CDs. 3:38 hrs. Saddleback. 2012. ISBN 978-1-61651-791-5. $24.95.

Showoff: Swindle, Book 4. by Gordon Korman. 5 cassettes or 5 CDs. 5:15 hrs. Recorded Books. 2012. cassette: ISBN 978-1-4640-1529-8, CD: ISBN 978-1-4640-1527-4. $51.75.

Spiral: The Tunnel Series, Book 5. By Brian Williams. 9 cassettes or 9 CDs. 10:45 hrs. Recorded Books. 2012. cassette: ISBN 978-1-4618-4519-5, CD: ISBN 978-1-4618-4517-1. $97.75.

Stink and the Midnight Zombie Walk. By Megan McDonald. CD. 1:14 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2012. ISBN 978-1-4558-5203-1. $19.97.

A Storm Called Katrina. By Myron Uhlberg. cassette or CD. 15 min. Recorded Books. 2012. cassette: ISBN 978-1-4640-2070-4, CD: ISBN 978-1-4640-2069-8. $15.75; book, ISBN 978-1-5614-5591-1: $17.95.

13 Gifts.

By Wendy Mass. 9 CDs. 10:14 hrs. Scholastic Audiobooks. 2012. ISBN 978-0-545-35407-3. $64.99.

Troy High. By Shana Norris. 5 CDs. 5:15 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2011. ISBN 978-1-4558-5870-5. $49.97.

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.

By Jules Verne. 12 CDs. 15:10 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2011. ISBN 978-0-307-74795-2. $30.

Music

Backseat Driver. CD. 41 min. Howlin’ Records. 2012. ISBN unavail. $15.

Junior Jukebox!, Vol. 1. CD. 32:50 min. Emphasis Kids/Emphasis Entertainment Group. 2012. ISBN unavail. $10.98.

Million Smiles to Go. CD. 55:04 min. AV Café. 2011. ISBN unavail. $12.

Princess Revolution! CD. 38:06 min. Prod. by Lemonade Prods. Dist. by NewSound Kids. 2012. ISBN unavail. $13.98

Radio Jungle. CD. 38:35 min. Prod. by The Pop Ups. Dist. by CDBaby.com. 2012. ISBN unavail. $9.99.

Ready for Rockin’. CD. approx. 39 min. Prod. by Little Rockers Music. Dist. by CDBaby.com. 2011. ISBN unavail. $9.99.

Rock and Roll All Night! CD. approx. 40 min. Prod. by Flying Bounce House Records. Dist. by AV Café. 2012. ISBN unavail. $14.

Six Traits Rock! CD. approx. 34 min. Prod. by Flying Bounce House Records. Dist. by AV Café. 2011. ISBN unavail. $19.

Social Studies

The Bite of the Mango (unabr.). 6 CDs. 6:36 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2012. ISBN 978-1-4558-5796-8. $49.97.

A Day That Changed America: The Alamo (unabr.). CD. 1 hr. AudioGo. 2012. ISBN 978-1-935430-60-5. $19.95.

Superman Versus the Ku Klux Clan: The True Story of How the Iconic Superhero Battled the Men of Hate (unabr.). 3 cassettes or 3 CDs. 3:30 hrs. Recorded Books. 2012. cassette: ISBN 978-1-4640-4023-8, CD: ISBN 978-1-4640-4022-1. $30.75