Malcolm Hillgartner recounts this astonishing story of a 1,500-mile trek across Alaska in winter to rescue 265 crew members of iced-in whaling ships from certain starvation in 1897. His delivery is characterized by a deep, gravelly voice, a tone of sustained suspense, and an appropriate dash of awe. Hillgartner rolls through the names of native Alaskans and places without hesitation and distinguishes the narrative from the plentiful primary sources of diaries, letters, and reminiscences. The three-man rescue team received indispensable help from the native Alaskans who gave up their reindeer herds (and their livelihoods) to feed the starving whalers without receiving any recognition—or the promised compensation. To appreciate the scores of photographs taken by one of the rescuers, listen with a hard copy of the book in hand.
(Nonfiction. 10 & up)Pub Date: Sept. 11, 2012
Duration: 4 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781455852338
Publisher: Brilliance Audio/ Candlewick
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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