The Mysterious Howling

Have you checkout Audiobook SYNC yet? It's an amazing summer celebration of free audiobooks! SYNC began week two with The Mysterious Howling and Jane Eyre. I've previously enjoyed The Mysterious Howling and adored it! (Below is my original review from GoodReads.) I would highly encourage you to give it a listen. Wood and Kellgren make an outstanding team!

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The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood


The beautiful cover art by Sarah Hoy drew me to The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place. Another bonus, I adore historical fiction. After reading the brief synopsis of the book, I knew that I had to read it, well, listen to it. Briefly, the story is about the common phrase, "You must have been raised by wolves!" Lord Ashton of Ashton Place found three children in his woods and decided to keep them. (Can you play finder's keepers with people?) Ashton and his newly wed wife employ fresh-faced Penelope Lumley to take the children in hand. The story follows Miss Lumley as she strives to train and education three rambunctious children.

Reader Katherine Kellgren gives an outstanding performance that will be enjoyed by the whole family. Each voice is very distinguishable and full of life. The story unfolds so humorously and mysteriously that I cannot wait to read the second installment of Maryrose Wood's series. If you enjoy topics such as England, governesses, English Literature and a good laugh, you will definitely enjoy this book. Happy reading!


Reviewed from a library copy.

Audio Book Details...
The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood
Series: Book One, The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place
Read by Katherine Kellgren
Produced by Listening Library
Number of Discs: 5
Total Time: 5 hours, 28 minutes
ISBN: 9780307711229

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If you enjoyed The Mysterious Howling, continue the adventure with ...
Book Two, The Hidden Gallery
Book Three, The Unseen Guest
Book Four, The Interrupted Tale (Coming September 2013)

The One and Only Ivan

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate


Applegate personifies a great silverback gorilla who lives as an entertainer in a mall. She doesn't go so far as to write a book that embraces anthropomorphism. (Huzzah!) It's a fictionalized story of animal entertainers. They tell their stories in their words and interact with humans with touches, looks, and art. It's very well done. Listeners (and readers) will befriend these circus animals, root for them, cry for them, and rejoice with them. Ivan's tale also lends itself well to many research projects for students (and animal lovers).

Adam Grupper narrates Ivan's story. Grupper is a new name to me ears. With his gruff, deep voice that kept going and going, it took me a bit to remain with the story. I was surprised and taken aback with the introductions of each new character voice. Grupper did a fabulous job! The gruff, deep voice suits the old silverback, Ivan. His female characters sound great and he adds zing to Bob and Mack. It's a great listen.


Reviewed from a library copy.


Audio Book Details...
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
Read by Adam Grupper
Produced by Harper Audio
Number of Discs: 3
Total Time: 3 hours
ISBN: 9780062285300

The Mighty Miss Malone

The Mighty Miss Malone by Christopher Paul Curtis


Christopher Paul Curtis shares the story of the Malone family through the eyes of their twelve-year-old "darling daughter Deza." The listener (or reader) jumps in their story during the Great Depression in Gary, Indiana. The Malone's are making their way, but troubles are just around the corner. Soon the Malones are on the move to Mr. Malone's hometown in Michigan seeking a better life.

I heard the reviews and I know that Curtis is highly acclaimed, but I never listened (or read) his books before this point. This story was brought to my attention because of a book committee. With slightly dragging feet, I found the audio and began to listen. After the first chapter, I was hooked. Curtis weaves an amazing story that wraps around the listener and begs you to keep listening. The Malone's live through tragic and wonderful circumstances during the Great Depression. It's historical fiction at it's best. I wanted to know more after the book ended.

Bahni Turpin narrated Deza's story. She also narrated characters in The Help. She has a great voice and personality for The Mighty Miss Malone characters. It was an excellent narration.

Reviewed from a library copy.


Audio Book Details...
The Mighty Miss Malone by Christopher Paul Curtis
Read by Bahni Turpin
Produced by Listening Library
Number of Discs: 7
Total Time: 7 hours, 59 minutes
ISBN: 9780307968227

Last Child in the Woods

Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv


Will you or your child be the Last Child in the Woods?

Louv dives into how people (children especially) interact with nature. With today's modern marvels, we distance ourselves from the outdoors. We've created fear that never existed before when dealing with trees... woods... nature. Louv also shares examples and resources to overcome the fear, or the boogieman. He offers research of the benefits of being outdoors.

It's an eye opening listen (or read). It's been recommended to me, but it never made it onto my must read until a local book festival chose it for their city read. I'm so happy that I chose to read it along with everyone. It's a fantastic book. I understand why a friend recommended it to me. Times have changed, but nature has remained the same. I know that I fear the wildness, but also appreciate the peace and beautiful it offers. I would encourage all listeners (and readers) to give this book a try.

Jonathan Hogan narrated Louv's book. His voice was excellent for this non-fiction piece. The story wasn't dynamic, but it was thought provoking and Hogan's tempo was spot on.


Reviewed from a library copy.


Audio Book Details...
Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv
Read by Jonathan Hogan
Produced by Recorded Books
Number of Discs: 10
Total Time: 12 hours
ISBN: 9781428169661

Iron Hearted Violet

Iron Hearted Violet by Kelly Barnhill


Can you describe a princess? It's all relative. It's also changeable.

Violet is the Princess, but she's also extraordinary. She doesn't look like a beautiful princess told in stories all over the Multiverse, but she's courageous, imaginative, and friendly. She befriends Demetrius and they explore her castle with abandon, only to stumble upon a secret room and uncover a dark secret. The secret grows and brings unrest to their world. Destruction follows, but if they work together and uncover the truth, the kingdom can survive!

I listened to Barnhill's book between other stories and books, so it wasn't as smooth as my usually audiobook timing. I enjoy the fantasy genre and this ranks at the top for middle schoolers. If listeners (or readers) enjoy dragon tales, this would be a great pick for them. It also contains mystery, storytelling, and unlikely heroes. It's not a happy-go-luck, but mysterious while dark and sorrowful at times. I wouldn't recommend this to every reader, but if you're interested in fantasy or dragon stories, I would recommend you to give it a go! It's very unique, especially, because Violet doesn't share her story, but the castle's storyteller: Cassian.

Simon Vance narrates Iron Hearted Violet. As stated previously, the storyteller is a male voice, so having Mr. Vance read the story works very well with the text. He's a stellar reader and he offers a nice range of characters from ladies to gents and fantastical creatures.



Reviewed from an Audiobook Jukebox copy. Thank you, AudioGo!

Audio Book Details...
Iron Hearted Violet by Kelly Barnhill
Read by Simon Vance
Produced by AudioGo Ltd
Number of Discs: MP3 Download
Total Time: 7 hours, 21 minutes
ISBN: 9781619696006

SYNC is Coming!

"SYNC is the audiobook publishers’ and AudioFile Magazine’s commitment to introducing the listening experience to your young adult audience."

And they are amazing! Over the summer they strive to introduce listeners to a wide range of books. The extraordinary part of the SYNC project ... it's free! (Thank you! Thank you!! Thank you!!!) Every week they offer a new titles - one Young Adult title paired with one Classic title. They also offer a free tool kit for Libraries, Educators, Bloggers & Press to help share and promote this amazing service.

I cannot wait for May 30th! The summer begins with titles provided by AudioGo. They are sharing Of Poseidon by Anna Banks and The Tempest by William Shakespeare.

Jingo Django

Jingo Django by Sid Fleischman


Join Jingo, make that Django, as he travels South on a whirlwind treasure hunt. He is discovering more about himself as well as about his unknown family.

Jingo is "apprenticed" to General Dirty-Face Scurlock by Mrs. Daggett who runs the orphanage. Scurlock sets up Jingo to be a chimney sweep - crawling up flues to chip away soot. His goal is to escape as quickly as he is able. With the help of a fellow sweep, he escapes, but only to be captured when he returns to hideout at the orphanage. Fortunately, someone else offers to apprentice Jingo - Mr. Peacock. Mrs. Daggett hands over the boy for a handsome profit and Jingo leaves with Mr. Peacock. Mr. Peacock offers Jingo a safe haven in his traveling wagon and an opportunity to pursue a treasure hunt he discovered on a whale's tooth.

Fleischman's story is from the 70's, but his tale will be enjoyed by young listeners today. Themes of adventure, mystery, and treasure never get old.

Charles Carroll narrates Django's story with a mellow tone. The heights and depths of adventure are never too loud or too soft. The even read is very nice. Carroll reminds me of a teacher sharing a story during school. This would be excellent for a family of wide ages to enjoy.

Reviewed from an Audiobook Jukebox copy. Thank you, AudioGo!

Small Steps

Small Steps: The Year I Got Polio by Peg Kehret

Peg was looking forward to 7th grade and the Homecoming celebration at school. Before the Homecoming festivities, her muscles began to jump and spasm during school. As Peg walked to class, she collapsed. She was taken home and only grew sicker. Her parents took her to the doctor. The doctor informed Peg and her parent that she had polio.

Peg Kehret revisits her journey from health to sickness and back again. She writes her history as a story with fictional dialogue between friends, family, and acquaintances. Though the dialogue is fictional, her experiences are true. She opens up and shares her struggles and successes of fighting polio. Peg shares the pain of illness and the aches of recovery. It's a beautiful story of courage, determination, family, friendship, and growing up. It's a story that children and adults will enjoy.

Susan Boyce is the narrator for Small Steps. Her gentle narration will delight listeners. Her voice is reminiscent of a beloved teacher reading a story aloud during school. This narrator and non-fiction piece will delight (and not bore) its listeners.

Reviewed from an Audiobook Jukebox copy. Thank you, AudioGo!

Audio Book Details...
Small Steps: The Year I Got Polio by Peg Kehret
Read by Susan Boyce
Produced by AudioGo
Number of Discs: 0
Total Time: 3 hours, 9 minutes
ISBN: MP3 download via AudioGo

The Spindlers

The Spindlers by Lauren Oliver


Beware the Spindlers. They come at night and steal your soul. How do you know if the Spindlers have stolen a soul? Look in the eyes. The eyes will tell you. As haunting as Coraline or as strange as Alice's Wonderland, that's for the reader to decide.

For this reader, Coraline was way more terrifying than The Spindlers. The association with Wonderland is the location - going below. The book that came to mind to this audiobook lover was The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan. (It's all about spiders, too.)

Overall, the concept of The Spindlers can be daunting and a bit terrifying for younger listeners (or readers), so if the reader is open to fantastical fiction with a hint of horror this is an excellent book. I would also highly recommend this title to older siblings and/or young woman. The main characters are ladies - Liza, Mirabella, and the Queen (which isn't a focus until reflecting on this piece.) The older sibling theme is strongest and very relate able. Liza must rescue her brother's soul and she will give it her all. He might be too young to understand or care, but she knows it's her job to watch over him.

Simon Vance narrated The Spindlers. For a female heavy cast, he did an amazing job! Each character had a voice and the female voices were wonderfully different from each other. The Spindler's Queen was my favorite voice.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Audio Book Details...
The Spindlers by Lauren Oliver
Read by Simon Vance
Produced by Listening Library
Number of Discs: 4
Total Time: 4 hours, 50 minutes
ISBN: 9780449015001 or 0449015009

Two Years of Audiobooks

Adolescent Audio Adventures began on February 25, 2011. I wanted to share my joy of audiobooks with others who enjoy listening to books. It's been another amazing audio year and it's time to take stock of all the books I heard over 2012. Let's break it down...

Juvenile Fiction [estimated trt: 5 days, 4 hours, 57 minutes]
The Chronicles of Harris Burdick
Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow
The Whites of Their Eyes
The Haunting of Charles Dickens
Floors
The Strange Case of the Origami Yoda
The Case of the Deadly Desperados
Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes
The Willoughbys
War Horse
3 Below
Stealing Magic: a Sixty-Eight Rooms Adventure
The Fire Chronicle
Arcade Catastrophe
The Mark of Athena
Alchemy and Meggy Swann
Fairy Realm 6 in 1 Collection
The Unseen Guest
The Spindlers

Adult [trt: ca. 18 hours]
The Help


20 books (and over 140 hours) were counted in this year's review. Quite a few less from last year, but with less time in the car, there are less hours to listen. I am looking forward to another great year of audiobooks! A couple series I'm looking forward to hearing include Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place, Benjamin Pratt and the Keepers of the School, and The Books of Beginning. What book or books are you looking forward to hearing this year?