Spotlighting individuals including Amanda Gorman, Rosa Parks, and entrepreneur Madam C.J. Walker, these podcasts have riveting stories to tell.
10 shows for kids ages 8 to 14 cover current events and teach news literacy.
Start 2021 by sharing conversations about music, from orchestral movie scores to “kindie” releases, with students and families.
The CDC recommends teachers and support staff get the coronavirus vaccine in the next round of distribution; the Black Caucus of ALA has put out its Best of the Best 2020 booklist; applications are being accepted for the Library of Congress Librarian in Residence program; and more in this edition of News Bites.
The top 10 audiobooks represent the best of November 2019 to October 2020 releases, with selections for all age groups and interests.
One in four kids tuned in to a podcast in 2020, drawn to stories and discussions about the coronavirus, money, activism, racial justice, and other topics.
These podcasts impart skills for dealing with big feelings, like isolation, loss, and anxiety through a variety of techniques, some directly related to SEL curricula. Parents can benefit, too.
With humor, song, and fact-filled history, these audio productions help kids understand the workings of democracy.
Audiobooks from Samatha Mabry, Suzanne Collins, E. Lockhart, Dean Atta, and more are sure to entice middle and high school listeners.
Chills and thrills for young listeners.
Read-alouds are usually the domain of picture books, but teens also enjoy being read to, and audiobooks are popular among all ages. Here are some read-aloud videos of YA titles—classic, new, and upcoming books—from publishers, authors, and librarians.
Tune into talk about mind-bending concepts and fascinating figures, from googolplex and the Fibonacci Sequence to the mathematicians behind the first programming language.
Longtime favorite authors dominated the lists of checkouts in the first half of June, according to Follett's Students' Choice data.
These reviews from the July issue feature audio performances of books by Nic Stone, Melissa Albert, Nikki Grimes, and Walter Dean Myers, among others.
This playlist includes episodes with imaginative stories, scientific facts, ongoing discoveries, and lessons about the interplay between entertainment and science.
Experimenting with fantasy, historical fiction, science fiction, or other genres, kids can write a new world that leaves COVID-19 behind—or address the pandemic head-on and go deep into emotions and experiences.
Unlock kids' creativity with episodes about origami, bookmaking, beavers, and more inspirations.
In these podcasts for families and children, Black hosts and voice actors spotlight fairy tales, historical figures, activism, and Black Lives Matter.
A brief history of doughnuts, tips for burgeoning bread bakers, and more inspirations to get kids cooking.
This playlist offers windows into key documents, people, and cultural factors that shaped U.S. history.
Pets are important companions during the pandemic. Tune into these pet- and animal-focused podcasts for some extra comfort and some fun, too.
Children lead the conversations in many of these informative, family-friendly episodes about the novel coronavirus. The first of a 10-part series of curated podcast playlists on different topics.
The audiobook giant creates new site for free streaming, available in six languages.
More people are listening to audiobooks, according to the Pew Research Center, and researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, say the brain might not know the difference.
Audio offers great potential as a connected learning tool. Here's what you need to get started.
These 30 audiobooks will appeal to listeners from preschool through high school.
Podcasts offer students a chance to own the conversation—and sometimes spark discussions about subjects adults won’t address. Plus, educators' tech tips and best practices.
New research offers compelling evidence that suggests we should make more use of podcasts, while a podcast search engine makes it easy. Here are three curated lists that dovetail with this year's summer reading theme.

This is a must-have for all libraries because of the authentic and multidimensional characters and the satisfying mystery. It is an excellent audio choice for students who enjoy creepy tales.
Evan's angst-ridden, often wry narrative is spot on for older teens, and explores the ideas of finding your community and contributing to it. Consider for high school libraries, especially where there is interest in the musical. Connor's ability to communicate and observe after death is counter to the reality of suicide, and may warrant a heads-up to school counselors.
These audiobooks will keep everyone entertained on those spring break and summer road trips.
This is ideal for those who love realistic fiction dealing with difficult topics and complex lives. Readers of Nicola Yoon and Jenny Han will enjoy this novel.

A wonderful addition to any middle grade or YA biography collection.
These capers will be a delightful experience for those who enjoyed Lemony Snicket's "A Series of Unfortunate Events."
Recommended for those who have enjoyed Avi's Nothing But the Truth, and John David Anderson's Posted.
The combination of Indian-inspired fantasy with contemporary language and sensibilities is likely to appeal to young listeners.
Listeners will be drawn to the well-developed and realistic characters and short chapters that keep the poignant, powerful story flowing. Highly recommended.–Sheila Acosta, San Antonio Public Library
This entertaining coming-of-age novel is recommended for young listeners.
A comprehensive and fascinating study of a medical and social disaster, and of the relationship between health and war, perhaps best read in print to appreciate the firsthand documents and illustrations.
This lighthearted mix of family, fantasy, and friendship adds a serious note about global climate dilemmas.
Fans of realistic fiction, family stories, and sports will enjoy listening to this audiobook. Recommended for any library collection.
This unconventional picture book biography with a talented cast of creators is an appealing audio offering.
Griffin's character-driven story, combined with pitch-perfect narration and production, make this a good purchase for collections needing historical fiction or general fiction about friendship and self-determination.
The value of this novel lies in Essa's practice of Zen Buddhism; an additional purchase.
In addition to being all-around strong selections, these also have potential for research for school biography writing assignments.
Young listeners will thoroughly enjoy the multiple voices and the descriptive text on audio, but to get the full experience they will want to have a copy of the book nearby.
Even the most reluctant readers will be racing through this winning quartet. Libraries should prepare for consistent demand in all formats.
Despite a low believability quotient, Sly and the Family Stone could be an entertaining next option for fans of family dramas.
Young leads and timely topics give these adult audiobooks teen appeal
A delightful listen, sure to engage young fairy-tale fans, with enough depth to intrigue older listeners. Consider for all elementary library collections.
The profusion of subplots might confuse a casual listener. However, those who pay attention will certainly gain new insight into Americans' prejudices about labor unions and immigrants at World War II's beginning.–Debbie Whitbeck, West Ottawa Public Schools, Holland, MI
This would be a powerful companion to Louise O'Neill's Asking for It and Mindy McGinnis's The Female of the Species and it also provides a strong curricular connection to health classes.
Fans of Maurene Goo, Jenny Han, and Julie Murphy: get ready to listen in.
The story is well suited to fans of puzzles and treasure hunts, as well as listeners with a parent who is coming to terms with their sexual identity. A useful addition to public and school libraries.
An engaging and heartfelt listen. Perfect for book discussions and classrooms.
A story rarely covered for intermediate readers that ultimately offers hope to those in a very difficult situation, as well as ample opportunity for other listeners to consider what life in such dire straits would be like.
Recommended for history buffs and as an engaging entry point to historical fiction.
This collection will be useful for comparing traditional fairy tales to the versions many students are familiar with today, and the ensemble cast of narrators makes these stories both accessible and enticing for young listeners.–Anne Bosievich, Friendship Elementary School, Glen Rock, PA

Fans of "39 Clues" will have fun solving the mystery along with the characters. A must-have for any library collection.–
Kira Moody, Salt Lake County Library Services, UT
This will be a solid addition for many libraries.
Of particular note is the voicing of the character's writings, including poetic musings, which heighten the impact of this plausible young teen.
This unforgettable debut has strong STEM tie-ins, and the realistic yet sensitive portrayal of mental illness hits just the right notes for middle grade listeners.

Recommended for all libraries serving middle grade listeners.
Perfect for library collections where dragon fantasy books are popular.

Exceptional character development matched with great storytelling make this novel essential for most libraries.
This is a heartwarming tale of the power of the Internet to bring people together, and a reminder of the plight of refugees.
We asked K–12 and public librarians to share their strategies—from genrefying to broadcasting booktalks.
Gr 4 to 8 –T’Challa is the prince of Wakanda. He grew up with his father, Black Panther. When things heat up at home, his father sends him to America for safety with his friend M’Baku.
Gr 9 Up –Tess Dombegh has spent her whole life unable to live up to her angelic twin, Jeanne, and her half-dragon stepsister, Seraphina.
Gr 5-8 –It’s 1486, and orphan Lambert Simnel is eking out an existence as a kitchen scullion at Tackley’s Tavern in Oxford, England.
Gr 4-7 –Poets Chris Colderley and Marjory Wentworth join Alexander in honoring writers, from Rumi and Basho to Terrance Hayes.
Gr 7 Up –In a series of lectures, Dr. Hannah B. Harvey, a professional storyteller, shares more than 60 stories or versions of stories, fables, fairy tales, tall tales, and classic literature for children from around the world.
Students of the time period, American history, and social movements will find it valuable to absorb the details of Douglass's extraordinary life.
A sorrowful exploration of grieving teens complemented with narration that depicts their depth of feeling and paths towards finding peace.

This novel is recommended as a perfect addition to any library serving middle grades with a lot of dog and hockey fans.

Libraries should prepare for eager audiences requesting multiple formats. Patrons who opt for the audio format can access Acevedo's additional explanatory track about a final contrapuntal poem.

With a multitude of potential uses, this delightful audiobook is a valuable addition for all libraries serving elementary and middle school students. Adults and teens will find it appealing, too.
Mincks's novel is perfectly layered with humor, tension, and adversity and reaffirms that true friendship is golden. Listeners will eagerly await the sequel.
Fans of the series will flock to Runaways, but it may not have a following outside of that.
Fans of character-driven coming-of-age audiobooks touched with humor will enjoy this debut.
A well-chosen narrator animates the privileged and darkly mysterious world of British blue bloods gone murderous.
The talented narrators and high-quality production turn an interesting book about friendship, family, and love into a spectacular audiobook.

Hand this fast-paced, accessible tale to fans of Avi's other historical fiction titles or to readers who enjoy stories set during medieval times.

This audiobook is sure to delight fans of the Black Panther, S.H.I.E.L.D., Avengers, and other superheroes. A must-have purchase for any library collection.
This would be an additional purchase only, where historical fiction audiobooks are in high demand, or where In Cold Blood is of special interest.

Paired with the print book and the online resources found at esquivelbook.com, this is a highly recommended addition to audiobook biography collections everywhere.
In its simplicity, this story is powerful and transforming. By affirming everyone's experience as they try to become thoughtfully independent, this book deserves space on the library shelf.
The story works better as an audiobook because of how the narration paints the blend of emotional and physical creepiness. Not for those faint of heart, but good for libraries where teens appreciate dark tales with a touch of the supernatural.
Teens looking for realistic high school stories set in past decades would be better served looking to classics by Judy Blume, Walter Dean Myers, and Paula Danziger.
This is an easy, fast-moving audiobook that young fairy-loving listeners will embrace.

While teaching adults about some of the stories of childhood, this guide will entertain children with humor and incredible storytelling.
An additional purchase only where magical realism and studies of human nature are popular.
This is a nicely timed, evocative examination of a national icon, and a reminder of the principles for which she stands.
This bite-sized story celebrating Korean culture is perfect for very young readers and could even serve as basic bibliotherapy for picky eaters.

A remarkable story of friendship, courage, and the power of motherly love is enhanced by a talented performer who brings its strong and memorable characters to life.
Adeyemi's epic fantasy delivers an Afrocentric world of jungles and oceans, leopanairs and coconut boats. Consider for high school and public libraries.
A relatable story about struggling to find oneself that will make a good addition to high school or public library collections, especially where Forman is popular.
While the pacing is somewhat inconsistent and occasionally choppy, the narrator's conviction in the power of the story being told shines through, providing a significant and worthwhile listening experience.
This is a superb and moving purchase for libraries where titles like Cath Crowley's Graffiti Moon are widely circulated.
Pierce devotees will revel in the adventure, occasional humor, and promise of romance in this new series opener. The story stands alone and would fit well in any YA fantasy collection.
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