A two-time Newbery Honor winner, Murphy is the king of nonfiction history for kids. This detailed accounting of the most costly single day of the Civil War lays out 1862's Battle of Antietam in the kind of bloody detail that gives one shudders. Murphy has a gift for elevating the individual stories of both generals and foot soldiers until they stand above the roiling uproar of a battle that toted up 23,000 casualties. Firsthand accounts shine in this compelling narrative. Kevin Orton lends even-handed authority to the gripping account with a voice that would suit a major network news anchor—only with more passion. Orton seems to be gripped by the unrelenting action in his narration, and he passes on that “you-are-there” feeling to readers.
Ages 8+Pub Date: 2009
Duration: 3 hrs
DD ISBN:
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
An engaging performance by Cary Hite enlivens this accessible history of basketball for young listeners, with a focus on the men's game and an "overtime" section devoted to the women's. Hite narrates with relish and an audible appreciation for the sport's evolution from a glorified game of hot potato to today's fast-paced competitions. Hite gives listeners a courtside view of hardwood feats from legendary ballers as they elevate the game with signature moves and lead the way forward for successive generations of players alongside crucial developments, such as the introduction of shot clocks and the Harlem Globetrotters' skillful, exciting play style. This informative production, paired with a warm and assured narration, has appeal for all ages.
(Nonfiction. 9-13)Pub Date: 2026
Duration: 2 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668654729
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This is a very brief introduction to the 6,888th Central Postal Directory Battalion of WWII. Jade Wheeler narrates with crisp enunciation, slow pacing, and buoyant admiration for the work of the Black women serving in the newly desegregated U.S. Army. Letters from home were a great morale builder for the troops. The Six Triple Eight was deployed in the U.S. and overseas to manage the sorting and delivery of millions of pieces of backlogged mail. Although more than 850 women served, 6 individual service members are named during the story. Wheeler delivers their names in a tone of respect. The credits are accompanied by 1940s-style jazz music. The PDF included contains a timeline, a glossary, and further reading.
(Informational picture book. 6-9)Pub Date: 2025
Duration: 11 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063459748
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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