Related
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.
PREMIUM
Dear Evan Hansen
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.
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.
These audiobooks will keep everyone entertained on those spring break and summer road trips.
PREMIUM
Little Do We Know
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.
PREMIUM
Nicola Berry: Books 1–3
These capers will be a delightful experience for those who enjoyed Lemony Snicket's "A Series of Unfortunate Events."
PREMIUM
It Wasn't Me
Recommended for those who have enjoyed Avi's Nothing But the Truth, and John David Anderson's Posted.
PREMIUM
The Serpent's Secret
The combination of Indian-inspired fantasy with contemporary language and sensibilities is likely to appeal to young listeners.
PREMIUM
Piecing Me Together
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
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.
PREMIUM
Bob
This lighthearted mix of family, fantasy, and friendship adds a serious note about global climate dilemmas.
PREMIUM
Rebound
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.
PREMIUM
Tell Me No Lies
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.
PREMIUM
Zen and Gone
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.
PREMIUM
All's Faire in Middle School
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.
PREMIUM
Lu
Even the most reluctant readers will be racing through this winning quartet. Libraries should prepare for consistent demand in all formats.
PREMIUM
Tiffany Sly Lives Here Now
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.
PREMIUM
The Orphan Band of Springdale
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
PREMIUM
Tradition
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.
PREMIUM
Just Under the Clouds
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.
PREMIUM
The Jigsaw Jungle
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.
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
This is a heartwarming tale of the power of the Internet to bring people together, and a reminder of the plight of refugees.
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
PREMIUM
Like Vanessa
Of particular note is the voicing of the character's writings, including poetic musings, which heighten the impact of this plausible young teen.
PREMIUM
Between the Lines
Exceptional character development matched with great storytelling make this novel essential for most libraries.
PREMIUM
The Science of Breakable Things
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.
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.
PREMIUM
I Have Lost My Way
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.
PREMIUM
Betty Before X.
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.
PREMIUM
The Stars at Oktober Bend
This is a superb and moving purchase for libraries where titles like Cath Crowley's Graffiti Moon are widely circulated.
PREMIUM
Tempests and Slaughter
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.
PREMIUM
All We Can Do Is Wait
An additional purchase where realistic fiction is popular or where the print book circulates well.
PREMIUM
Aru Shah and the End of Time
An adventurous and empowering story, based on Indian mythology, for fans of Sayantani DasGupta's The Serpent's Secret and younger admirers of Riordan's demigod heroes and heroines.
PREMIUM
Me and Marvin Gardens
This story of surprising friendships fits well with Earth Day celebrations or environmental and conservation units and will be a good fit for middle-grade collections.
PREMIUM
Love, Hate, & Other Filters
Buy this thoughtful audiobook to strengthen your #ownvoices selections and give this to fans of Tanuja Desai Hidier's Born Confused and Gloria Chao's American Panda.
PREMIUM
Reign of the Fallen
Overall this tale has a fantasy world with a fresh concept and would be best suited for large collections where more fantasy is needed.
Fans of John Green—esque love against the odds stories, mixed with realistic depictions of mental health, will gravitate towards this listenable debut.
PREMIUM
Tess of the Road. 13 CDs
Fans of Hartman's Seraphina will be drawn back into the stories of Goredd and will be clamoring for more.
PREMIUM
My Name Is Victoria
A solid choice for libraries desiring more historical fiction that will especially appeal to fans of the British monarchy.
PREMIUM
Checked
This novel is recommended as a perfect addition to any library serving middle grades with a lot of dog and hockey fans.
PREMIUM
The Poet X.
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.
PREMIUM
Payback on Poplar Lane
Mincks's novel is perfectly layered with humor, tension, and adversity and reaffirms that true friendship is golden. Listeners will eagerly await the sequel.
PREMIUM
Runaways
Fans of the series will flock to Runaways, but it may not have a following outside of that.
PREMIUM
Down and Across
Fans of character-driven coming-of-age audiobooks touched with humor will enjoy this debut.
PREMIUM
S.T.A.G.S.
A well-chosen narrator animates the privileged and darkly mysterious world of British blue bloods gone murderous.
PREMIUM
Layover
The talented narrators and high-quality production turn an interesting book about friendship, family, and love into a spectacular audiobook.
PREMIUM
The Player King
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.
PREMIUM
Black Panther. The Young Prince
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.
PREMIUM
No Saints in Kansas
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.
PREMIUM
The Rabbit Listened
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.
PREMIUM
Before I Let Go
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.
PREMIUM
Folded Notes from High School
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.
PREMIUM
Fairy Mom and Me
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.
PREMIUM
As You Wish
An additional purchase only where magical realism and studies of human nature are popular.
PREMIUM
Her Right Foot
This is a nicely timed, evocative examination of a national icon, and a reminder of the principles for which she stands.
PREMIUM
No Kimchi for Me!
This bite-sized story celebrating Korean culture is perfect for very young readers and could even serve as basic bibliotherapy for picky eaters.
PREMIUM
Hope in the Holler
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.
PREMIUM
Children of Blood and Bone
Adeyemi's epic fantasy delivers an Afrocentric world of jungles and oceans, leopanairs and coconut boats. Consider for high school and public libraries.
Students of the time period, American history, and social movements will find it valuable to absorb the details of Douglass's extraordinary life.
PREMIUM
The Beauty That Remains
A sorrowful exploration of grieving teens complemented with narration that depicts their depth of feeling and paths towards finding peace.
Just in time for road-trip season comes the new free monthly podcast series, Highlights Hangout Launched this week, the series is a collaboration between the makers of the popular and iconic Highlights For Children magazine (now 72-years old!) and the creators of NPR’s also popular science podcast Wow in the World, both produced in partnership with Tinkercast.com, a leading producer of educational audio. […]
From fanfiction to QR codes, Phil Goerner offers tips and resources to help librarians working with teens to combat the summer slide.
Gr 9 Up –Jude Duarte, her twin sister Taryn, and her half-fey, half-human sister Vivienne are taken to be raised in Faerieland by Vivienne’s father, Madoc, after he kills their parents.
Gr 10 Up–Olga was always the good girl. She stayed home after high school, got a job as a receptionist, took classes at the local college, and always helped her family—until she died in a car crash.
It’s back! Now in its 9th annual season, Audiobook SYNC just announced its free book pairings for teen listeners for this spring and summer. You can dig into the first of the weekly pairings on April 26th. at 7:00 PM Eastern. Each week from April 26 through July 25, SYNC will release two high-interest titles for young adult readers. […]
PREMIUM
Whichwood
A solid story for those who love magic and mystery. Could be used in discussions about feminism, revenge, empathy, and equality. A quick listen.
PREMIUM
The War I Finally Won
Bradley's previously awarded success means young audiences should be clamoring for this laudable sequel.
A must-have for biography sections, this audiobook shows young listeners that you can mix the old and the new to create something wonderful.
PREMIUM
Amina's Voice
This realistic story of self-discovery and acceptance will be a strong addition to middle grade collections.
PREMIUM
Echo Echo
This gorgeously performed production will inspire student interest in poetry and mythology, and is a must-have for libraries and classrooms.
This biography will flesh out many gaps in understanding of the author's background and inspirations.
articles