Judith St. George shares delightful details--the "good things" and the "bad things" about United States presidents from Washington to Clinton. The traits include the definitive, such as a discussion of presidential size; the humorous, such as a description of the bathtub of William Howard Taft; the catchy, such as the number of presidents with the name John; and the intimate, such as the antics of Teddy Roosevelt's children. She poignantly touches on deeper issues: presidents who have not been prepared for the office, those who have not been honest, and the responsibilities and possibilities of the job. Brain Keeler sets a fast, dignified pace, and it takes multiple listenings to assimilate all the details. As this title was a Caldecott winner, the listening experience is enriched by having the book in hand. David Small's illustrations add such detail to the narration that the listener comes away with a much more comprehensive appreciation of the presidential office.
(Nonfiction. 7-12)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2002
Duration: 30 mins
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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: Jan. 22, 2009
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Quincy Surasmith narrates this middle reader work of nonfiction, which depicts, in graphic detail, the harrowing rescue of a youth soccer team and their coach, who were stuck in a flooded cave in Thailand. The narrative swings from emotional tension when the author focuses on the boys or their parents to tactical precision when she explains the inner workings of the cave system. Surasmith navigates these changes expertly in his narration. The technical aspects of the audiobook sound like they are delivered by a serious geography teacher. When the action of the rescue ratchets up, Surasmith narrates with an exasperation that makes listeners feel like they too are trapped in the cave. This informative, engaging yet pithy audiobook is suitable for all audiences.
(Nonfiction. 10-15)Pub Date: Oct. 13, 2020
Duration: 4 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781713547792
Publisher: Brilliance Audio/ Candlewick
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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