Reviews+

“Audio is a great doorway to a love of literature,” says Katherine Kellgren, award-winning young adult audiobook narrator, lifelong audiobook listener, and supporter of a SYNC, the free YA audiobooks program. SLJ caught up with Kellgren for a candid chat about her start in the field, the joys—and challenges—of narrating YA literature, the importance of audio in boosting kids’ literacy, and her upcoming projects. Kellgren even stopped by our offices to record a few video segments.

Check out the starred review of Deep Down: A Story form the Heart of Coal Country, a DVD from New Day Films that explores the controversial topic of mountaintop removal mining.

The winners of the Audie Awards, the audiobook industry’s equivalent of the Oscars, were announced at the 18th Annual Audies Gala held at The New York Historical Society in New York City on May 30, 2013 and hosted by Daniel Handler (author of “A Series of Unfortunate Events” series written under the name Lemony Snicket). The awards, sponsored by the Audio Publishers Association (APA), recognize distinction in audiobooks and spoken word entertainment.

The 14 songs performed by Mr. Steve on his latest album, Orangutan Van,/em>, perfectly balance catchy melodies, smart lyrics, and humor. Read the starred review and see why this is quirky fun for the whole family.

Tara Sands provides spot-on narration for The Marvelous Land of Oz, the second book in Frank L. Baum’s Oz series and a starred audiobook production from Dreamscape Media.

A Mutiny in Time, the first audiobook in James Dashner’s “Infinity Ring” series, is a great kickoff for what is sure to be a rollicking adventure series for elementary grade students. Be sure to check out the review.

Songs for Junior Rangers

Tavia Gilbert’s spot-on narration brings all of the characters to life in Jennifer Roy’s Yellow Star, a story-in-verse offering a glimpse of the experiences of her aunt in the Lodz Ghetto during World War II. Be sure to read the starred audiobook review of the personal account of a young girl.

SYNC is back in session again this year, offering two free complete YA audiobook downloads every week from May 30 to August 21. This is the third year for the program, in which a contemporary young adult audiobook is paired thematically with a classic audiobook title.