School Library Journal» Audiobook

Pick of the Day: Sophia’s War (Audiobook)

SLJ — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 14:34:58 +0000

Sophia’s War. By Avi. 6 cassettes or 6 CDs. 7:15 hrs. Recorded Books. 2012. cassette: ISBN 978-1-4703-2043-0, CD: ISBN 978-1-4703-2042-3. $66.75.
Gr 5-9–Set in 1776 during the American Revolution when New York was under siege by the British, Avi’s tale (S & S/Beach Lane Books, 2012) of resistance features an amazing female protagonist, trials aplenty as she tries to avenge her brother’s death, and a little romance thrown in for good measure. Sophia’s family believes in freedom and desperately wants America to govern itself. Her brother goes off to fight, is captured, and ends up dying in a filthy hold of a British prison boat. John Andre, a charming English officer who is billeted with Sophia’s family, fails to intervene to save her brother. Despite having a schoolgirl crush on Andre, Sophia is conflicted by his failure to save her brother. After witnessing the execution of Nathan Hale, Sophia is determined to help the American cause. Recruited as a spy, she becomes a maid in the home of the commander of the British forces in America. Sophia uncovers some crucial information and sets out to reach West Point before Benedict Arnold can turn it over to the British. Avi’s outstanding text and Angela Goethals’s spot-on narration make the Revolutionary War come alive for listeners, providing a real sense of the time period. A perfect choice for school and public libraries.–Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

Pick of the Day: Balloons Over Broadway: The Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade (Audiobook)

SLJ — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 13:59:28 +0000

Balloons Over Broadway: The Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade. By Melissa Sweet. cassette or CD. 15 min. Recorded Books. 2012. cassette: ISBN 978-4703-2922-8, CD: ISBN 978-1-4703-2921-1. $15.75; hardcover book, ISBN 978-0-5471-9945-9: $16.99.
K-Gr 3–The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade is a holiday tradition. But where did those big balloons begin? With puppeteer Tony Sarg, of course! The informative, enthusiastic text of Sweet’s Robert F. Siebert Medal picture-book biography (Houghton Mifflin, 2011) tells a little about Sarg’s life and his career in puppetry, adding a few quirky details sure to amuse listeners. Then it gets into the details of his part in the parade, and the evolution of creativity that led to the balloons we see today. John McDonough reads the text in a measured, clear manner—rather like the steady, rhythmic march of a band—giving listeners plenty of opportunity to explore Sweet’s inspired multimedia illustrations. The end notes give additional information on this fascinating but little-known character from history. A delightful example of good nonfiction that should capture the interest of young and old alike.–Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary, Federal Way, WA

Pick of the Day: About Average (CD)

SLJ — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 13:24:09 +0000

About Average. By Andrew Clements. 2 cassettes or 2 CDs. 2 hrs. Recorded Books. 2012. cassette: ISBN 978-1-4703-0081-4, CD: ISBN 978-1-4703-0082-1. $25.75.
Gr 3-6–Jordan understands that it’s hard being average. Everyone around her seems to have a shining talent, or even two or three—but not Jordan. She realistically examines herself and recognizes her ordinariness. She is a C student and has average looks, but she hopes that her enthusiasm will make up for a lack of talent in sports and music. It’s a little depressing. Jordan is good at babysitting and organizing. She wins a haiku contest. She’s even good at coming up with a plan to deal with a bully. Still, none of that is going to win her accolades. Besides, she’s just trying to make it through to the end of sixth grade, as oppressive heat and sauna humidity melt the students into puddles of inactivity. However, when disaster strikes, it is average, cool-headed Jordan who comes up with a plan to save lives. Andrew Clements’s winning book (Atheneum, 2012) is read by Celia Keenan-Bolger in a young, sympathetic voice that draws listeners into Jordan’s all-too-ordinary life. Yet listeners also catch hints of Jordan’s strengths that she fails to recognize, offering hope to adolescents who are often too hard on themselves. The pacing is perfect and the narrator’s creation of unique character voices brings the story to life. This exceptional production will have listeners smiling and rooting for the girl who doesn’t realize how extraordinary “average” can be.–Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary, Federal Way, WA