In this sequel to KING DORK, Lincoln Hoppe does a fantastic job of giving voice to the thoughts of Tom Henderson, King Dork himself. His humorous and often sarcastic thoughts come through clearly as he embarks on the second half of 10th grade, complete with his "normal" girlfriend, his rock-and-roll band, and a centipede scar. Supporting characters, including his stepfather, Little Big Tom, not only have interesting nicknames but are also given unique voices to highlight their roles in Tom's world. Hoppe handles dialogue well, and his slight variations in tone and pitch add to the humor of the story. This entry contains many references to the earlier book (also narrated by Hoppe), so listeners may want to listen to that first before diving deeper into the teenage mind.
(Historical fiction. 14-16)Pub Date: Dec. 9, 2014
Duration: 12 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780804168694
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Listeners follow Merry, the longbow girl, one of the best archers in her town. When she finds a magical portal in the forest that takes her back to sixteenth-century Wales, she must use her skills to win an archery contest in order to help her ancestors keep their land. While narrator Emily Wilden brings protagonist Merry to life with a rich Welsh accent, her narration seems uneven at times. All the period characters have accents that reflect the setting of the story and transport listeners to Wales. Listeners who enjoy historical fiction and a bit of fantasy will be charmed by this tale of determination, hope, and family.
Young AdultPub Date: N/A
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781501916793
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
In 1832 thirteen-year-old Charlotte Doyle is sailing from Liverpool to Rhode Island to rejoin her family. Shocked to discover that the families who were to have been both guardians and companions will not accompany her, Charlotte embarks on a journey filled with terror and swashbuckling adventure. The first-person narrative makes this Newbery Honor book a wonderful choice for recording. O'Karma's reading, with its hint of cross-gender differentiation, allows the listener to feel as if Charlotte Doyle herself were relating the tale. This story should be particularly alluring to adolescent girls although the fast-paced action and the nautical setting will also appeal to male listeners. Ages 12-adult.
Ages 12+Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 6 hrs
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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