Sasha Zaichik idolizes his father, a Communist hero, and Stalin. He’s been waiting to join the Young Pioneers for most of his life. But the night before the ceremony, his father is arrested, and everything Sasha believes in is put to the test. Mark Turetsky infuses naïve optimism and youthfulness into the voice of Sasha, the unreliable narrator. As Sasha becomes aware of inconsistencies and unsettling situations in his cherished Communist state, Turetsky narrates with a tone of confusion and then slow realization that dramatizes Sasha’s growing maturity. A chilling author’s note connects Yelchin’s own experience in Soviet Russia to the story. Kids will want to listen to this Newbery Honor title while following along, so they don’t miss the pencil illustrations by the author.
(Historical fiction. 9-12)Pub Date: June 1, 2012
Duration: 2 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781464048906
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Narrator P.J. Ochlan embraces this spirited novel, documenting 11-year-old Rocco Zaccaro's adventures with such gusto and spunk that you'd swear you'd traveled back in time to 1887. The story begins with Rocco's removal from his home in Italy and his subsequent arrival in New York City, where he is to work as a street musician for his new padrone, Signor Ancarola. Ochlan paints a vivid picture of immigrant life and the trials Rocco undergoes trying to escape the horrible living conditions under his padrone. Capturing the characters' voices perfectly, Ochlan delivers Rocco's animated storytelling, the slang of his newfound gang of pickpockets, and the accents of the city's many immigrants, whether Irish, Scottish, German, English, or Italian. Historical notes, including a pickpocket's glossary, complete this excellent production.
(Historical fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: April 5, 2016
Duration: 7 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780147521477
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
John McDonough tells the oddball story of Prince Roger and his misbegotten quest for self-identity and true love. The story is amusing and at times inspiring as it follows Prince Roger on a three-year sojourn through the Forever Forest and across the Dastardly Divide as he seeks to transcend his clownish nature and find his destined love, Princess Petulia. Younger listeners will be enchanted by the whimsy and fantasy elements of this fairy tale and by McDonough's gentle style, while adults will enjoy Feiffer's tongue-in-cheek writing, metafictional asides, and profound insights about destiny, identity, and living happily ever after.
Ages 8+Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2001
Duration: 4 hrs
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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