Nick Podehl takes over the narration in this sequel to GIRLS, DRUMS, AND DANGEROUS PIE. This time the story is told from the viewpoint of younger brother Jeffrey, who is now an eighth-grade cancer survivor. Podehl delivers the story in a light, conversational tone, belying the seriousness of the issues Jeffrey must deal with. It’s the perfect voice for a young teen who is experiencing his first love; missing his older brother, who is in Africa “finding himself”; and trying to pass his courses so he can go on to high school. Podehl paces the story well and brings out the humorous sections with his spot-on timing. Also memorable is his portrayal of Jeffrey’s snarky best friend, Tad, whom Podehl depicts with a sarcastic tone that contrasts well with Jeffrey’s ingenuous nature.
Young AdultPub Date: Jan. 20, 2011
Duration: 5 hrs
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
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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