In 1870's Cape Flattery, Washington, 14-year-old Nathan MacAllister has an idyllic but difficult life as the son of the lighthouse keeper.When he is befriended by Makah indians, he learns to navigate the Pacific Ocean, fish and survive in the wild. Narrator Gaines is splendid with the many outdoorsy characters, as well as with the unique Makah tongue. Nathan and Lighthouse George enter a life-and-death struggle as they piece together a mysterious shipwreck and watch gold ingots being thrown into the sea. Gaines's subtle presentation perfectly contrasts the outside terrors with the warmth of the MacAllister family. The terrifically plausible ending makes a perfect coming-of-age story for girls and boys, as well as a wonderful piece of adventure based on historical fact.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 1999
Duration: 6 hrs
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Listeners follow Merry, the longbow girl, one of the best archers in her town. When she finds a magical portal in the forest that takes her back to sixteenth-century Wales, she must use her skills to win an archery contest in order to help her ancestors keep their land. While narrator Emily Wilden brings protagonist Merry to life with a rich Welsh accent, her narration seems uneven at times. All the period characters have accents that reflect the setting of the story and transport listeners to Wales. Listeners who enjoy historical fiction and a bit of fantasy will be charmed by this tale of determination, hope, and family.
Young AdultPub Date: N/A
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781501916793
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
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