Best New Audiobooks for Kids Ages 8 and Up, Selected by AudioFile Magazine for The Children’s Book Review.
Prepare to be captivated by this month’s extraordinary middle-grade audiobooks! The talented narrators of these stories weave enchantment with their voices, transporting listeners to worlds where anything is possible. From Simon Vance giving life to a sentient typewriter to Cherry Jones masterfully portraying a vibrant, extended family, these performances are nothing short of spellbinding. Each narrator’s unique style and skill breathe new life into the characters, making the listening experience truly unforgettable. Get ready to embark on auditory adventures that will ignite your imagination and leave you craving more.
This humble and wonderful performance by Hope Newhouse will engage a wide audience. Two Sophies are best friends; one is an elementary school student, and the other is an aging woman who is beginning her struggle with memory loss. When home-care options are weighed, younger Sophie listens to the many memories of elder Sophie. Newhouse’s ability to transform her narration to highlight both the stark age difference and the friendship between both characters is a cornerstone of the performance. Listeners will believe these characters really are connected. Review »
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Olivetti
Story by Allie Millington
Read by Christopher Gebauer and Simon Vance
Recorded Books | 4.5 hrs. | Ages 10+ | AudioFile Earphones Award
Two narrators exude energy and warmth in this charming story. Simon Vance is Olivetti, a typewriter who breaks the “typewriterly” code of silence to spill his tapestry of tales and find his missing owner. Vance brings a gentle, snarky tone to Olivetti, delivering his speech in the clickety-clack of typing. Ernest is an angsty 12-year-old who prefers dictionaries and solitude but must trust a sentient typewriter and make a friend to find his mother. Christopher Gebauer portrays him expertly with an appealing mix of anxiety, heart, and wry humor. Review »
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Soneela Nankani’s talents are in full force in this monstrous and magical fantasy series. Serwa has trained her whole life as a slayer of Ghanaian vampires and monsters. Then she discovers her parents have a big secret—she’s actually an obayifo, a vampire witch. Nankani’s dynamic voice and boundless energy match all of the action and Serwa’s roiling emotions. Nankani smoothly voices the Twi language that is woven into the story and makes each lively character distinct through rich accents and varied tones. Review »
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Josephine Huang and Cassandra Morris join forces to deliver the captivating story of best friends in this exceptional middle-grade audiobook. Helen, voiced by Huang, and Gracie, portrayed by Morris, are known for their mischievous antics. Their latest escapade leads them to join the Community Action Club, currently dedicated to promoting period equity. Morris’s dynamic narration and vibrant dialogue capture Gracie’s wholehearted embrace of the cause. Huang portrays Helen’s skepticism with nuanced pacing and just the right inflection. Review »
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Ferris
Story by Kate DiCamillo
Read by Cherry Jones
Listening Library | 4 hrs. | Ages 8+ | AudioFile Earphones Award
Cherry Jones’s expertise shines in a short novel that’s long on emotions. Her narration emphasizes 10-year-old Ferris’s fundamental belief that “every story is a love story.” Central to the story is Charisse, Ferris’s beloved grandmother. Each time Jones utters her throaty endearment, “Darling,” its tenderness resonates powerfully. Jones’s nuanced delivery captures the affection of Ferris’s large family; listeners will feel the many facets of their love. Review »
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This list of audiobooks was curated by AudioFile. AudioFile is an independent source of audiobook reviews and recommendations with a clear focus on the performance and listening experience. AudioFile Earphones Awards are given to exceptional audiobooks. To learn more, visit audiofilemagazine.com, Twitter @AudioFileMag, Facebook @audiofilemagazine, and Instagram @AudioFileMagazine.
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