Part historical fiction chapter book, part superhero graphic novel, this audio production handles transitions perfectly via its two narrators. In WWII Philadelphia, seventh grader Josie O'Malley wishes her favorite female superheroes would protect the world from evil. At a tryout for code crackers, she meets two fellow superhero fans, Mae and Akiko. The three girls suddenly develop their own remarkable superhero powers and join the League of Secret Heroes to foil a villain. Narrator Jesse Vilinsky brings honest emotion to the girls' story; her voice shudders and pulses with frustration at the racism, sexism, and bullying the girls face. Interspersed is Jonathan Davis's narration, which believably lifts listeners out of the real-world narrative, dropping them into the superhero action sequences.
(Historical fantasy. 9-11)Pub Date: Aug. 6, 2019
Duration: 6 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781797102351
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Henry's parents are kidnapped while they travel the world. Henry is confused and lost when he's sent to his aunt, uncle, and cousins in Kansas. His bewilderment increases when the plaster of his bedroom walls cracks to disclose 100 strange cupboards that are portals to odd places. Vivid descriptions of fascinating lands hold listeners' attention through the story's many unexplained facts as does the steady, solid narration by Russell Horton. Horton accurately modulates the characters' up-and-down emotions, adapting his pace quickly to the changes. Listeners are able to keep up with the rapidly introduced characters because of Horton's stand-out portrayals.
Ages 8+Pub Date: Dec. 26, 2007
Duration: 6 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780739362778
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A cast of narrators shares these stories, each told from the point of view of a supporting character from Riordan's Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard series. We hear from Halfborn Gunderson, Samirah al-Abbas, Alex Fierro, and more. In "So's Your Face!" narrator Sile Bermingham gives fiery einherji Mallory Keen an Irish lilt, and in "I Play with Fire," Bahni Turpin gets to pull out the stops creating voices for a meeting of immortals in Muspellheim. Riordan's signature humor is here--Thor makes a guest appearance in each story, running through the nine worlds in his leather short shorts. The characterizations might not quite match what listeners heard in earlier installments, but diehard Magnus Chase fans can still enjoy this collection.
(Fantasy. 8-14)Pub Date: Oct. 2, 2018
Duration: 3 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780525641834
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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