Noah Galvin’s performance enhances this clever novel in every detail, making even the chapter titles come to life. Each chapter is named for a mathematical concept and highlights Mike’s struggle against the expectation that he excel mathematically, like his brilliant father. He doesn’t. Over a summer Mike discovers his own strengths when everyone he meets seems to be dealing with grief, and none too well. Galvin renders these characters with tender quirkiness, using slight shifts in pitch and speech patterns. Mike’s angst and the ramblings of eccentric Great-Aunt Moe are balanced with subtle silences. Galvin’s lively use of inflection imbues the dialogue with a sense of candid immediacy, making the listener feel right there with Mike and the crazy residents of “Do-Over,” Pennsylvania.
(Fiction. 10-14)Pub Date: Feb. 4, 2011
Duration: 5 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781461849933
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
Lipica Shah's stirring narration of this YA biography showcases Emma Goldman's unshakable commitment to improving the lives of the oppressed. In 1885, Goldman immigrated to the U.S. from czarist Russia and became an ardent anarchist. A prolific writer and inspirational speaker, she gave hundreds of well-attended speeches each year. When quoting Goldman, Shah exudes the intensity of her quest to elevate America's working class. When quoting from any of the thousands of period newspaper articles about Goldman, Shah mimics their predominantly disapproving tone. Goldman was even imprisoned because of her progressive positions on government, workers' rights, sex, and birth control. Never deterred, Goldman was once considered the most dangerous woman in America.
(Biography. 14-18)Pub Date: Sept. 16, 2025
Duration: 10 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250415134
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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