Life in a medieval village comes alive in Schlitz’s monologues and dialogues. They were originally written for students at her school, who were studying England of 1255 and who all wanted to have parts in a school production about the period. Listeners will hear about hunting wild boar, blowing glass, suffering the ignominy of plain looks, crop and field rotation, the trickery of the jester, and the despised miller. Christina Moore sets the stage, and the full cast brings individuality to each personage. Attention to feelings and mood is evident. These medieval young people are genuine in their excitement and their concerns. Through characterization, gentle British accents, and accompanying period music, the listener is treated to theater of the mind with this 2008 Newbery Medal winner.
(Nonfiction. 10-15)Pub Date: Feb. 4, 2008
Duration: 1 hr, 30 mins
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Much has been written on Jackie Robinson's groundbreaking career and legacy, but it's nice to see a well-done synopsis covering the highlights of his life for young people. Narrator JD Jackson carries the story as he conveys the importance of Robinson's life without overdramatization. It covers Robinson's growing up, time in the Army, and deliberate recruitment for the purpose of breaking Major League baseball's color barrier. Jackson gives various players, coaches, and individuals--including Robinson's wife, Rachel--slight accents. His steady, animated narration reflects the well-researched book and is sure to hold the attention of both young and older listeners.
(Biography. 10-13)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2017
Duration: 2 hrs, 15 mins
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Narrators John Lithgow and Kate Mulgrew alternately share poems and songs created by Fred Rogers for his long-standing television show. Rogers's messages affirm children and give voice to the myriad feelings, good and bad, that all people feel from time to time. Wonder, joy, questions, exploration, outsides and insides, a new baby, one-of-a-kindness, needs emotional and material are examples of the breadth of Rogers's words. Lithgow's voice has its own richness, reminiscent of Rogers's own. His tone is firm and straightforward. When his voice expresses the anger of a poem, for example, he soon becomes calm as the anger fades. Kate Mulgrew is equally genuine and sets a pace for children's consideration of each message.
(Poetry. 3-8)Pub Date: March 19, 2019
Duration: 1 hr, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781683691808
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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