2009 Selected Audiobooks for Young Adults
Updated Dec. 2, 2008
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian, by Sherman Alexie, read by the author. Recorded Books, 2008, 5 hours, 5 discs, ISBN: 978-1-4281-8297-4, $46.75; 5 cassettes, ISBN: 978-1-4281-8292-9, $33.75.
A fledgling cartoonist, Arnold Spirit Jr., or Junior as he's known on the rez, leaves his Spokane Indian Reservation high school after throwing his 30-year-old geometry textbook at his teacher. Alexie explores major issues of belonging and leaving your community, life and death, and the value of friendship, reading his own work with appropriate pacing and true emotion.
The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson, read by Jenna Lamia. Macmillan Audio, 2008, 7 hours, 30 minutes, 6 discs, ISBN: 978-1-4272-0443-1, $29.95.
Her parents tell her that she has just awoken from a coma after a terrible accident, but Jenna Fox doesn't remember anything about her life. Another Jenna, narrator Lamia, brilliantly brings to life one of the most empty — literally — young women in fiction. She seamlessly flows from character to character, including women of three generations, and doesn't miss a beat.
A Bloody Jack Adventure, Book 2: Curse of the Blue Tattoo by L.A. Meyer, read by Katherine Kellgren. Listen & Live Audio, 2008, 14 hours, 11 discs, ISBN: 978-1-5931-6134-7, $29.95.
Mary "Jacky" Faber spent a year at sea facing life-and-death situations, but becoming a "Fine Lady" at the Lawson Peabody School for Girls will be her toughest challenge yet! This rousing historical tale is brought to vivid life through Katherine Kellgren's expert narration.
A Bloody Jack Adventure, Book 3: Under the Jolly Roger: Being an Account of the Further Adventures of Jacky Faber by L.A. Meyer, read by Katherine Kellgren. Listen and Live Audio, 2008, 15 hours, 12 discs, ISBN: 978-1-59316-141-5, $29.95.
After her reunion with Jaimy goes awry due to a misunderstanding, Jacky is pressed into service on the Wolverine, where she tries to avoid the advances of its lustful captain. Through a series of odd occurrences, Jacky becomes captain of the Wolverine, embarking on a new career as a privateer, and is hunted down for being a pirate. Listeners probably cannot imagine anyone other than Katherine Kellgren voicing Jacky Faber's daring adventures. She captures the wonder of the "Cheapside orphan" who has journeyed to America and back, and undertakes new feats with daring, recklessness and courage.
The Burn Journals by Brent Runyon, read by Christopher Evan Welch. Recorded Books, 2008, 8 hours, 7 discs, ISBN: 978-1-4361-3876-5, $77.75; 7 cassettes, ISBN: 978-1-4361-3871-0, $56.75.
At 14, Brent Runyon set himself on fire; this is the true story of his emotional and physical recovery from that darkness. The pain, joy and fear of Brent’s ordeal are flawlessly captured in Christopher Evan Welch’s narration.
Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson, read by Madisun Leigh. Brilliance Audio, 2008, 8 hours, 7 discs, ISBN: 978-1-4233-6731-4, $74.25.
Sold as a slave when she was supposedly freed by her former master, beaten and branded for her actions, Isabel is privy to information on both sides as she witnesses the beginnings of the Revolutionary War. Who can she trust? While the story commands the listener's attention, Madisun Leigh's narrative is low-key and haunting as she embodies Isabel and her quandary.
A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess, read by Tom Hollander. HarperAudio/Caedmon, 2007, 8 hours, 7 discs, ISBN: 978-0-06-117062-1, $34.95.
High on milk-plus and teen hormones, Alex happily leads his mates on a rampage of ultra-violence. Arrested and imprisoned, he agrees to be "cured": the cost is his free will. Tom Hollander brings Alex and his world to life with this amazing performance, helping listeners easily acquire the special "nadsat" slang language used in the telling of the tale. The final chapter not included in the first U.S. edition is included in this unabridged production. An excerpt read by Anthony Burgess is included in the final disc.
The Compound by S.A. Bodeen, read by Christopher Lane. Brilliance Audio, 2008, 6 hours, 6 discs, ISBN: 978-1-4233-6558-7, $74.25; 5 cassettes, ISBN: 978-1-4233-6556-3, $69.25.
Eli’s billionaire father built the Compound to protect his family from recent nuclear devastation. Now, six years have passed and Eli finally begins to question his reality. Christopher Lane’s intense, well-paced narration adds to the pulse-pounding intensity of this non-stop thrill ride.
Cybele’s Secret by Juliet Marillier, read by Justine Eyre. Listening Library, 2008, 13 hours, 51 minutes, 11 discs, ISBN: 978-0-7393-7936-3, $50.
Paula, a scholarly young woman from Transylvania, travels with her tradesman father to Istanbul to acquire an ancient artifact. The artifact is infused with magic from the Other Kingdom, and Paula must risk her life and her heart to return it to its proper place. Justine Eyre voices Paula with a wistful innocence underlaid with intellect and resolve as she undertakes her magical quest.
Dark Dude by Oscar Hijuelos, read by Armando Duran. Blackstone Audiobooks, 2008, 7 hours, 30 minutes, 7 discs, ISBN: 978-1-4332-5111-5, $19.95.
Rico is the palest Cubano kid in his multi-ethnic New York neighborhood. Feeling out of place in his neighborhood, school, and family, he grabs an opportunity to try a new life in Wisconsin. Even in a placid rural community, he can't escape harsh realities, nor forget the family he left behind. Armando Duran's ability to convey multiple characters, racial and regional differences through subtle voice and accent changes is impressive and convincing without being overdone. Narrated in the voice of the central character, Duran convinces the listener of Rico's status as both insider and outsider, both awkward yet cool.
Deadline by Chris Crutcher, read by Stephen Boyer. Recorded Books, 2008, 8 hours, 15 minutes, 7 discs, ISBN: 978-1-4281-8821-1, $87.75; 8 cassettes, ISBN: 978-1-4281-8816-7, $61.75.
Ben Wolf will be dead by the end of his senior year of high school, and he doesn't want anyone to know. His actions have a strong impact on his family, friends, and team as he learns that others have secrets, too. Stephen Boyer narrates in an understated manner which is perfect for Chris Crutcher's story of secrets kept and exposed.
The Declaration by Gemma Malley, read by Charlotte Parry. Recorded Books, 2007, 7 hours, 45 minutes, 7 discs, ISBN: 978-1-4281-7281-4, $97.75; 7 cassettes, ISBN: 978-1-4281-7276-0, $67.75.
It's 2140 and Anna is a surplus, an unwanted child forced in slavery. Then Peter comes, tells her that everything she knows is wrong, and her journey back home begins. Parry's unique and genuine accents make the characters shine in this thrilling story.
Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card, read by Stefan Rudnicki, Harlan Ellison and a Full Cast. Macmillan Audio, 2008, 10 hours, 30 minutes, 9 discs, ISBN: 978-1-4272-0526-1, $39.95.
Ender Wiggin is the only child in Battle School capable of saving the Earth from the alien invasion. This is his story. The only thing better than reading Ender’s Game is listening to this audio version of it! Characters and plot will endure because of this unforgettable rendition of the classic story by Card, who not only lends his voice to the story but adds new comments on the final track of the last disc.
Fairest by Gail Carson Levine, read by Sarah Naughton and the Full Cast Family. Full Cast Audio, 2007, 8 hours, 15 minutes, 8 discs, ISBN (library edition): 978-1-934180-13-6, $55; ISBN (retail edition): 978-1-934180-08-2, $39.95.
Aza does not look like her fellow Ayorthans, but she can sing like them. Feeling huge and ugly, she somehow becomes the favorite of the new queen, sharing a secret that could bring down a kingdom and destroy Aza's happiness. The Full Cast Family expertly reads and sings the story of Aza and Ayortha — a country where beautiful composing and singing are prized above everything.
Firegirl by Tony Abbott, read by Sean Kenin. Listening Library, 2007, 2 hours, 52 minutes, 3 discs, ISBN: 978-0-7393-4873-4, $27.
When severely disfigured Jessica Feeny with burns all over her body joins Tom Bender's 7th grade class, his life is turned upside down. An ordinary boy, he daydreams a lot about being a superhero. Now he has to decide whether to hold her hand during morning prayers. This book packs a big punch in few words and Kenin captures Tom's voice and thoughts.
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, read by the author. Recorded Books, 2008, 7 hours, 45 minutes, 7 discs, ISBN: 978-1-4361-5884-8, $77.75; 7 cassettes, ISBN: 978-1-4361-5879-4, $56.75.
Orphaned by a knife-wielding killer, young Bod Owens is taken in by the spirits of a graveyard. Wanting to learn about life beyond the cemetery gates, Bud must also face the dangers that await him. Listeners cannot help but be captivated by Bod's tale through the voice of master storyteller Gaiman, who evokes the horror, humor, and heartbreak of an unusual young boy raised by ghosts.
The Heartbreakers by Pamela Wells, read by Stina Nielsen. Recorded Books, 2008, 8 hours, 7 discs, ISBN: 978-1-4361-2493-5, $97.75; 7 cassettes, ISBN: 978-1-4281-8325-4, $67.75.
When Sydney, Raven and Kelly are all dumped by their boyfriends on the same night, it's up to their friend Alexia to get them back in shape with her "breakup rules". Narrator Nielsen perfectly captures the voices of the teen girls.
How to Build a House by Dana Reinhardt, read by Caitlin Greer. Listening Library, 2008, 5 hours, 24 minutes, 5 discs, ISBN: 978-0-7393-6412-3, $45.
Harper’s home and family are falling apart. To get away from her father and stepsister, she joins a volunteer program to build a house for Teddy’s family, who lost their home in a tornado. Caitlin Greer gives voice to Harper who, as she helps one family build their house, starts to put her own life back together.
InterWorld by Neil Gaiman and Michael Reaves, narrated by Christopher Evan Welch. Harper Children’s Audio, 2007, 5 hours, 30 minutes, 5 discs, ISBN: 978-0-06-125460-4, $19.95.
When he reaches the age of 15, Joey Harker finds out that he is a Walker — he can travel across dimensions and enter thousands of different worlds. At InterWorld Base, he finds that he's just one of many versions of himself — who band together to fight an evil that threatens the Multiverse itself. Narrator Christopher Evan Welch creates a unique Joey for each world he inhabits, expertly finding both the similarities and differences between them.
Larry and the Meaning of Life by Janet Tashjian, read by Matt Green. Listening Library, 2008, 4 hours, 31 minutes, 4 discs, ISBN: 978-0-7393-7276-0, $38.
Josh "Larry" Swenson, young social activist, finds he needs a few weeks at the feet of guru Gus at Walden Pond in order to replenish his mental energies. However, there seems to be more to Gus than meets the eye and Josh's retreat turns out to be not very restful. From the witty dialogue with the author that begins and ends this novel, Matt Green inhabits Josh in all his insecurities and neuroses.
The Last Apprentice, Book 3: Night of the Soul Stealer, by Joseph Delaney, read by Christopher Evan Welch. Recorded Books, 2007, 7 hours, 30 minutes, 6 discs, ISBN: 978-1-4281-7251-7, $51.75; 6 cassettes, ISBN: 978-1-4281-7246-3, $41.75.
In his third adventure as apprentice to the Spook, young Tom Ward travels with him to Angelzarke for a long cold winter. But when the Spook falls ill, Tom will have to face some terrors on his own if he's to defend the County against the dark. Narrator Welch creates a properly spooky and suspenseful atmosphere seen through the eyes of the naïve Tom.
The Last Apprentice, Book 4: Attack of the Fiend, by Joseph Delaney, read by Christopher Evan Welch. Recorded Books, 2008, 9 hours, 8 discs, ISBN: 978-1-4361-8806-8, $87.75; ISBN: 978-1-4361-8801-3, $56.75.
Tom Ward, the Spook's last apprentice, must rescue his family from a coven of witches who have assembled to bring the diabolical Fiend back into the world. Narrator Christopher Evan Welch has created three distinct voices for the characters of Tom, the Spook, and the young witch Alice; and then surrounds them with believably evil creatures of the night, who can only frighten with their voices ... and they do!
Leap by Jane Breskin Zalben, read by Jennifer Ikeda and Jonathan Todd Ross. Recorded Books, 2007, 7 hours, 30 minutes, 6 discs, ISBN: 978-1-4281-7201-2, $87.75; 6 cassettes, ISBN: 978-1-4281-7196-1, $61.75.
Sixth graders Daniel and Krista have been on-and-off pals since they were tots. When a freak accident partially paralyzes Daniel their friendship is truly put to the test. Ikeda and Ross bring Krista and Daniel to life in this inspirational story about the power of friendship.
Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen, read by Rebecca Soler. Penguin Audio, 2008, 11 hours, 10 discs, ISBN: 978-0-14-314305-5, $39.95.
Just shy of her 18th birthday, Ruby is forced to move in with her older sister Cora — who abandoned Ruby to their alcoholic mother ten years earlier. Determined to leave as soon as possible, Ruby tries not to connect emotionally at home or at school, but the people around her slowly break down her defenses. In creating the character of Ruby, Rebecca Soler has perfectly captured a young adult woman — alternatively confident and scared, sarcastic and tentatively affectionate.
The Magic Thief, Book One by Sarah Prineas, read by Greg Steinbruner. Recorded Books, 2008, 7 hours, 45 minutes, 7 discs, ISBN: 978-1-4361-3740-9, $77.75; 7 cassettes, ISBN: 978-1-4361-3735-5, $61.75.
A young pickpocket becomes apprentice to wizard Nevery Flinglas after being discovered to have magical abilities. Conn helps his master figure out why magic is decaying and leaving the land of Wellmet. An entertaining story with appeal for all ages, expertly narrated in a charming British accent by Steinbruner, this will satisfy those clamoring for more tales like Harry Potter.
Miss Spitfire: Reaching Helen Keller by Sarah Miller, read by Terry Donnelly. Recorded Books, 2008, 6 hours, 45 minutes, 6 discs, ISBN: 978-1-4361-1320-5, $66.75; 6 cassettes, ISBN: 978-1-4361-1318-2, $51.75.
Anne Sullivan, a recent graduate from Perkins School for the Blind in Boston, accepts the challenge of teaching a six-year-old deaf and blind Alabama girl, Helen Keller. Anne's fiery temperament gives her the courage to overcome her pupil's wildness and the Keller family's permissiveness, enabling her to tame and teach Helen. The narrator Terry Donnelly does a fine job conveying Anne Sullivan's doubts, anger and triumphs during her first month with the Keller family.
Peeled by Joan Bauer, read by Kathe Mazur. Listening Library, 2008, 5 hours, 38 minutes, 5 discs, ISBN: 978-0-7393-6791-9, $45.
Hildy Biddle, high school reporter, swoops into action when her small apple-growing town is threatened by greed and corruption. Kathe Mazur's pitch-perfect narration and Bauer’s charming, homey tale make this a "juicy" choice for any listener!
Princess Mia, Book 9 of The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot, read by Clea Lewis. Recorded Books, 2008, 6 hours, 45 minutes, 6 discs, ISBN: 978-1-4361-0358-9, $66.75; 6 cassettes, ISBN: 978-1-4361-0353-4, $51.75.
Mia cannot get out of bed; her relationship with Michael is over and her best friend isn't speaking to her. But then Mia stumbles across very interesting information about a former princess of Genovia that might change her life and Genovia's future forever.
Clea Lewis' youthful narration is full of attitude and sarcasm, capturing Mia perfectly.
Ruler of the Realm, Book 3 of The Faerie Wars Chronicles by Herbie Brennan, read by James Daniel Wilson. Recorded Books, 2007, 11 hours, 30 minutes, 10 discs, ISBN: 978-1-4281-2193-5, $108.75; 10 cassettes, ISBN: 978-1-4281-2188-1, $88.75.
As Henry makes his third visit to the Faerie Realm, Faerie of the Light Queen Holly Blue, her brother Pyrgus, Gatemaster Fogarty, and the Painted Lady find their world shifting and tilting dangerously towards war. This book has plenty of intrigue, action and humor, and Wilson invests each character — humans, fairies, and robots — with a distinct voice.
Sebastian Darke: Prince of Fools by Philip Caveney, read by Maxwell Caulfield. Listening Library, 2008, 8 hours, 25 minutes, ISBN: 978-0-7393-6318-8, $37.
On the eve of her 17th birthday, Princess Kerin is rescued from sure death by Cornelius, Sebastian, and Max, the Buffalope. Her uncle — evil King Septimus — devised a plot to kill his niece, which went awry when the rescuers came upon the brigands who set upon the Princess and her royal guards. Chock full of action, humor, friendship and loyalty, this adventure is epic storytelling at its best with Maxwell Caulfield in charge of the narration.
Skin Hunger, Book 1 of A Resurrection of Magic by Kathleen Duey, read by Andy Paris. Recorded Books, 2008, 10 hours, 9 discs, ISBN: 978-1-4361-1616-9, $97.75; 9 cassettes, ISBN: 978-1-4361-1611-4, $67.75.
A dark tale of loyalty, greed, friendship, pain and much more, two separate story lines introduce the mystically gifted farm girl Sadima and equally magically talented merchant's son Hahp. When they become involved with a pair of wizards their stories intertwine and their lives are changed forever. Andy Paris does an absolutely amazing non-voiced reading of this story and captures all of Duey's details vividly with his narration.
Skybreaker by Kenneth Oppel, read by David Kelly and the Full Cast Family. Full Cast Audio, 2008, 11 hours, 30 minutes, 10 discs, ISBN: 978-1-934180-33-4, $44.95.
In his second adventure — after Airborn — Matt Cruse soars to new heights of adventure in pursuit of the Hyperion, a ghost ship carrying untold treasure at 20,000 feet. David Kelly and the full cast masterfully create engaging and unique characters that pull the listener into Matt's high-flying world of excitement, adventure and danger.
Slam by Nick Hornby, read by Nicholas Hoult. Penguin Audio, 2007, 7 hours, 6 discs, ISBN: 978-0-14-314283-6, $29.95.
Sam is a normal sixteen-year-old who likes to skate, does well in school art classes, looks up to Tony Hawk, and has a girlfriend. But when they become pregnant things change, and Sam must grow up quickly — as we learn through listening to his feelings, and several quick trips to the future to see how his life works out. Nicholas Hoult nails the voice of Sam, a teenager who is often immature, poignant, and funny, but who matures through the book as we live Sam's life, and fatherhood, with him.
Snakehead, An Alex Rider Adventure, Book 7 by Anthony Horowitz, read by Simon Prebble. Recorded Books, 2008, 9 hours, 45 minutes, 8 discs, ISBN: 978-1-4281-8277-6, $97.75; 8 cassettes, ISBN: 978-1-4281-8272-1, $67.75.
Alex Rider is back! Just when he thought he was done with MI-6, Alex is caught yet again in a world of espionage for the Australian government, infiltrating an underground human trafficking operation in Indonesia. Simon Prebble is the voice of Alex Rider, and he takes listeners on yet another wild ride with the reluctant 14-year-old spy. From the streets of Bangkok to the Australian jungle, the wry narration captures the intensity and excitement fans of Alex crave.
Spanking Shakespeare by Jake Wizner, read by Mike Chamberlain. Listening Library, 2008, 6 hours, 35 minutes, 6 discs, ISBN: 978-0-7393-6325-6, $45.
Join Shakespeare Shapiro as he guides you through the wacky landscape that is the past four years of his life via his Senior Memoir. Mike Chamberlain truly brings this unique and endearing character to life with his dead-on narration. This is a story that is truly given dimension via the audio format; a home run of great story married to perfect narrator.
Story of a Girl by Sara Zarr, read by the author. Listening Library, 2008, 4 hours, 48 minutes, 4 discs, ISBN: 978-0-7393-7133-6, $38.
Why does a single event seem to define a person's life and character? Branded the "school slut" for her mistake, Deanna feels isolated, yet puts on a tough exterior in front of people at school and her family. Narration by the author is done emotionlessly, unveiling the spare, powerful, honest portrayal of the girl with the "reputation."
Tallgrass by Sandra Dallas, read by Lorelei King. Macmillan Audio, 2007, 8 eights, 30 minutes, 7 discs, ISBN: 978-1-4272-0045-7, $29.95.
During World War II, 13-year-old Rennie's life is changed forever; her brother is fighting in the war, and a Japanese internment camp opens in her town. When a young girl is murdered, most of the townspeople believe it was someone from the camp. King's multidimensional voice brings the characters to life.
A Thousand Never Evers by Shana Burg, read by Kenya Brome. Listening Library, 2008, 8 hours, 8 minutes, 7 discs, ISBN: 978-0-7393-6742-1, $50.
Addie Ann Pickett lives in Kuckachoo, Mississippi during the summer of 1963, and her life changes as the events of the Civil Rights movement unfold: Medgar Evars, Emmett Till, and the little girls in Birmingham are killed, and Addie's uncle is on trial for ruining a community garden. Kenya Brome has the perfect voice for Addie, her family, and the people of Kuckachoo as she speaks with tears in her voice, an arrogant assumption of white power, or light-hearted twelve-year-old optimism.
What My Mother Doesn’t Know by Sonya Sones, read by Kate Reinders. Brilliance Audio, 2008, 2 hours, 2 discs, ISBN: 978-1-4233-6572-3, $44.25; 2 cassettes, ISBN: 978-1-4233-6570-9, $44.25.
The world according to Sophie — life, family, friends and love. Kate Reinders truly articulates the essence of 15-year-old Sophie as she is tongue-tied around a boy, chats and im's with friends, and wonders about her mom.
|
