In December 1775, on the barrier island of Currituck, North Carolina, 16-year-old Betsy Dowdy bemoans her inability to contribute to the Colonial quest for freedom from King George’s rule. One fifty-mile ride later, as the legend goes, Betsy proves her worth by delivering an important message to General Skinner as he prepares to rally his troops to repel the Redcoats at Great Bridge. Charlotte Parry’s narration underscores Betsy’s many moods: her despondency at not being able to go to battle as a soldier as well as her determination to undertake the dangerous journey with her pony, Bess. Late in the night in the midst of the journey Parry portrays Betsy’s self-doubt and, later, believably delivers the teenager’s pride at having carried out her mission. Parry’s gentle British accent adds authenticity to the production.
Ages 6+Pub Date: Feb. 4, 2010
Duration: 15 mins
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Narrator P.J. Ochlan embraces this spirited novel, documenting 11-year-old Rocco Zaccaro's adventures with such gusto and spunk that you'd swear you'd traveled back in time to 1887. The story begins with Rocco's removal from his home in Italy and his subsequent arrival in New York City, where he is to work as a street musician for his new padrone, Signor Ancarola. Ochlan paints a vivid picture of immigrant life and the trials Rocco undergoes trying to escape the horrible living conditions under his padrone. Capturing the characters' voices perfectly, Ochlan delivers Rocco's animated storytelling, the slang of his newfound gang of pickpockets, and the accents of the city's many immigrants, whether Irish, Scottish, German, English, or Italian. Historical notes, including a pickpocket's glossary, complete this excellent production.
(Historical fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: April 5, 2016
Duration: 7 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780147521477
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
John McDonough tells the oddball story of Prince Roger and his misbegotten quest for self-identity and true love. The story is amusing and at times inspiring as it follows Prince Roger on a three-year sojourn through the Forever Forest and across the Dastardly Divide as he seeks to transcend his clownish nature and find his destined love, Princess Petulia. Younger listeners will be enchanted by the whimsy and fantasy elements of this fairy tale and by McDonough's gentle style, while adults will enjoy Feiffer's tongue-in-cheek writing, metafictional asides, and profound insights about destiny, identity, and living happily ever after.
Ages 8+Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2001
Duration: 4 hrs
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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