Set in Afghanistan, this book paints a bleak picture of life under Taliban rule. Rita Wolf creates a lively, engaging young Parvana, through whose eyes we witness Taliban oppression. Parvana's mother and sister are trapped at home, forbidden to leave unless chaperoned and swathed in the ubiquitous burqa. (Ellis defines such terms.) Although Wolf's accent may seem simulated to an Afghan ear, most Western listeners are unlikely to mind. Based on real-life interviews with children, this timely story of courage in extreme circumstances is sobering and chilling (Parvana unearths human bones for money, witnesses an amputation, and suffers a beating) and is best-suited for older children--ideally those listening with an adult.
(Graphic historical fiction. 10-14)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2002
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
An ensemble of narrators brings the bustle of a Renaissance fair, the vagaries of middle school, and the tribulations of a homeschooling family vividly to life. For 11-year-old Imogene Vega, the start of sixth grade and the opening of the Renaissance fair where her family works converge. Imogene is anxious about heading into a public school setting and eager to learn about the role of an English squire. The narrating team keeps listeners on their toes. Switching between the fair and school takes concentration on the part of the listener. Memorable aspects of this production include Imogene's reticence as well as her warmth for her parents; the cattiness of her classmates; and the humor inherent in contrasting Renaissance diction with contemporary language.
(Graphic fiction. 10-13)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2018
Duration: 2 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781501996276
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Ciaran Saward's zany delivery is perfect for a young audience that thrives on silly nonstop action and striking sound effects. Selfish, bullying Monkey is sent into space but soon crash-lands in a forest, which he decides to colonize. When genial Bunny realizes this, he gathers Pig and Weenie Squirrel--all humorously rendered--to save their peaceful home from the intruder. Seward incorporates instructional tidbits, for example, how bats navigate. The most fun are Skunk, Monkey's megalomaniac inventor, and French-accented Le Fox, who just wants to be left alone. Sound effects such as the snoring of a hibernating bear take listeners into the action. Audio enriches delightful wordplay, and older audiences will hear references to current events.
(Graphic fantasy. 6-10)Pub Date: July 1, 2025
Duration: 3 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781038029454
Publisher: Bolinda Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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