Frost’s novel in verse recounts the stories of two close families whose farms are connected by crossing stones that span a creek. Their lives are changed forever at the beginning of WWI. Natalia Payne, Steven Boyer, and Rachel Botchan deftly handle delivering the poems, which are alternately presented in the voices of Muriel, Ollie, and Emma. The narrators clearly convey both the conversations and internal monologues of the three young people, each of whom is struggling with the need to make personal choices and deal with consequences of the war. The high quality of the narration is even more evident if one listens with the book in hand, following the poetic forms of each selection. This is compelling historical fiction, beautiful poetry, and a thoroughly satisfying listening experience.
Young AdultPub Date: Dec. 23, 2010
Duration: 3 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781449836917
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
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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