Awards & Recognition
2017 YALSA Amazing Audiobooks & ALSC Notable Children’s Recordings
THE AMAZING BOOK IS NOT ON FIRE
by Dan Howell and Phil Lester
Read by the Authors
Buffy the Vampire Slayer, hamsters, anime, and drawing cat whiskers…just a few of the obsessions of British YouTube stars, danisnotonfire and AmazingPhil. Dan and Phil take this visually amazing book and transform it into an even more amazing audiobook.
LISTEN TO A CLIP:
GRIMM’S FAIRY TALES
by the Brothers Grimm
Read by an award-winning cast
The real and gruesome tales from the Brothers Grimm are told by the biggest names in audiobooks. Every curse, every transformation, every chopped off appendage is presented with flourish in one convenient place.
LISTEN TO A CLIP:
HALF LOST
by Sally Green
Read by Carl Prekopp
In the midst of losing the war against the Council of White Witches, Nathan struggles to deal with having become a killer like his father. In this final volume of the Half Bad trilogy, Prekopp’s distinctive accents with enhanced sound effects makes this a listening adventure.
LISTEN TO A CLIP:
HIGHLY ILLOGICAL BEHAVIOR
by John Corey Whaley
Read by Robbie Daymond and Julia Whelan
Lisa Praytor wants to earn a psychology scholarship by curing her ex-classmate Sol of his agoraphobia. Daymond and Whelan’s emotional intensity builds with each chapter as the characters test the boundaries of their newly formed friendship.
LISTEN TO A CLIP:
HOLDING UP THE UNIVERSE
by Jennifer Niven
Read by Jorjeana Marie and Robbie Daymond
In this love story between Jack and Libby, each must overcome obstacles—the least of which are his face blindness and her weight struggles. Marie and Daymond strike the perfect balance between these two teens as they come together.
LISTEN TO A CLIP:
THE INCIDENT ON THE BRIDGE
By Laura McNeal
Read by Lincoln Hoppe
It seems as though Thisbe jumped to her death, but her sister and friends are determined to find out where she really is. Hoppe deftly captures the personalities of the characters in this story told from multiple perspectives.
LISTEN TO A CLIP:
THE INQUISITOR’S TALE
By Adam Gidwitz
Read by the Author and a Full Cast
Featuring medieval music performed by Benjamin Bagby of Sequentia
Set in Medieval France, a la The Canterbury Tales, a white greyhound and three unlikely friends unite to escape prejudice and persecution. A full cast of narrators enhance this lively and miraculous adventure. Read author Adam Gidwitz’s blog post about his experience recording the audiobook. LISTEN TO A CLIP:
IRON MAN: THE GAUNTLET
By Eoin Colfer
Read by Ari Fliakos
Iron Man is outwitted by a young Irish girl who hacks into his suit in order to free her sister from an orphanage where she is being held captive. Fliakos skillfully handles the many accents while his comedic timing adds a level of fun to the intensity of the book.
LISTEN TO A CLIP:
OUR CHEMICAL HEARTS
By Krystal Sutherland
Read by Robbie Daymond
Henry Page is happily sailing through his senior year, until broken and mysterious Grace Town is chosen to co-edit the school newspaper with him. Daymond’s character voices will leave readers laughing and crying making this a memorable production.
LISTEN TO A CLIP:
THE SECRET HORSES OF BRIAR HILL
By Megan Shepherd
Read by Fiona Hardingham
Emmaline lives in a house with other children who suffer from the stillwaters (TB) during World War II. Only she can see the winged horses in the mirrors and one of them desperately needs her help. Hardingham’s narration gives this story a hint of childlike wonder mixed with the horror of living with tuberculosis.
LISTEN TO A CLIP:
THE SMELL OF OTHER PEOPLE’S HOUSES
By Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock
Read by Jorjeana Marie, Erin Tripp, Karissa Vacker, and Robbie Daymond
Four lives are woven together during the early years of Alaska’s statehood – a place that is unlike any other. Ruth, Dora, Alyce, and Hank are all hoping to change their lives and find family along the way. Multiple narrators allow each character to resonate in his or her own voice. Read author Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock’s blog post about the audiobook. LISTEN TO A CLIP:
THEIR FRACTURED LIGHT
By Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner
Read by Kim Mai Guest and MacLeod Andrews, with Cynthia Holloway and Abby Craden
Sofia and Gideon want to bring down Laroux Industries and close the rift between their world and that of the Whispers, an alien life form. But to do so, they will have to trust each other as the Starbound Trilogy comes to a satisfying end. Spooky sound effects add to the narrators’ solid character portrayals in this space odyssey.
LISTEN TO A CLIP:
THIEVING WEASELS
By Billy Taylor
Read by Robbie Daymond
Years after Skip escaped his dysfunctional family to attend boarding school, they locate him, dragging him back into their lies and schemes, where he finds himself wrapped in a murderous plot. Daymond’s Long Island accents construct this perfectly campy story. Read author Billy Taylor’s blog post about the audiobook.
LISTEN TO A CLIP:
2017 ALSC Notable Children’s Recordings
The Notable Children’s Recordings list includes recordings for children 14 years of age and younger of especially commendable quality that demonstrate respect for young people’s intelligence and imagination; exhibit venturesome creativity; and reflect and encourage the interests of children and young adolescents in exemplary ways.
ANNA AND THE SWALLOW MAN
by Gavriel Savit
Read by Allan Corduner
Allan Corduner’s gentle narration guides this dark journey of a young girl and the mysterious man she befriends in the harsh environment of World War II Poland. Ages 12 and up.
LISTEN TO A CLIP:
THE CAT WHO CAME IN OFF THE ROOF
by Annie M.G. Schmidt
Read by Katherine Kellgren
A rollicking performance by Katherine Kellgren lets the listener enjoy the adventures of shy Mr. Tibble and the unusual Miss Minou. Ages 6-12.
LISTEN TO A CLIP:
THE LEAGUE OF BEASTLY DREADFULS
BOOK 2: THE DASTARDLY DEED
by Holly Grant
Read by Rosalyn Landor
Rosalyn Landor deftly captures a wide range of sound effects and characters, from bats to shapeshifters, in this lively fantasy tale.
Ages 8 and up.
LISTEN TO A CLIP:
RAYMIE NIGHTINGALE
by Kate DiCamillo
Read by Jenna Lamia
Jenna Lamia’s distinctive voices for Raymie and her friends infuse this audiobook with humor and heartbreak, making for a memorable listen. Ages 10-14.
LISTEN TO A CLIP:
WHERE ARE YOU GOING, BABY LINCOLN?
by Kate DiCamillo
Read by Lorna Raver
In an installment of Tales from Deckawoo Drive, Lorna Raver narrates this story of Baby Lincoln’s Necessary Journey, bringing Kate DiCamillo’s inimitable style to life in an engaging way. Ages 6-9.
LISTEN TO A CLIP:
WOLF HOLLOW
by Lauren Wolk
Read by Emily Rankin
Emily Rankin’s intimate narration carries the listener along on 12-year-old Annabelle’s haunting journey through a web of lies in a small Pennsylvania town in the shadow of WWII. Ages 10 and up.
LISTEN TO A CLIP:
Click here for more 2017 ALA Award Winners on the blog!
Listening Library is proud to announce this year’s Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults and Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) Notable Children’s Recordings. Share these outstanding listens with your young patrons.
2017 YALSA Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults
The 2017 Amazing Audiobooks list, comprised of fiction titles and nonfiction, features recordings that cover a wide range of interests for young adults from historical fiction, to sci-fi, to realistic fiction.
“After carefully inspecting hundreds of quality audiobook productions, we are excited to present our top picks from this year,” said Chair Emily Farmer. “The list includes a variety of genres and an impressive group of narrators who have a talent for excellent storytelling.”
Use the slider below to see Listening Library’s 18 Amazing Audiobook selections.
*Top Ten Pick*
ANNA AND THE SWALLOW MAN
by Gavriel Savit
Read by Allan Corduner
After her father is taken away, Anna and the enigmatic Swallow Man try to survive as the harsh reality of World War II creeps into their lives. Corduner’s deep, story-teller voice gives this tale an air of mystery and solemnity. See reactions from librarians and listeners who loved this extraordinary Odyssey Award-winning audiobook. LISTEN TO A CLIP:
ANNA AND THE SWALLOW MANby Gavriel Savit
Read by Allan Corduner
After her father is taken away, Anna and the enigmatic Swallow Man try to survive as the harsh reality of World War II creeps into their lives. Corduner’s deep, story-teller voice gives this tale an air of mystery and solemnity. See reactions from librarians and listeners who loved this extraordinary Odyssey Award-winning audiobook. LISTEN TO A CLIP:
*Top Ten Pick*
GEMINA
by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff
Read by Carla Corvo, MacLeod Andrews, Steve West, Erik Davies, Lisa Cordileone, & a full cast
When their space station is threatened, the captain’s daughter and a mafioso are the best chance for saving their new home. The pace never lets up in this full cast production that drops the listener right in the middle of the action.
LISTEN TO A CLIP:
GEMINAby Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff
Read by Carla Corvo, MacLeod Andrews, Steve West, Erik Davies, Lisa Cordileone, & a full cast
When their space station is threatened, the captain’s daughter and a mafioso are the best chance for saving their new home. The pace never lets up in this full cast production that drops the listener right in the middle of the action.
LISTEN TO A CLIP:
*Top Ten Pick*
SALT TO THE SEA
by Ruta Sepetys
Read by Jorjeana Marie, Will Damron, Cassandra Morris, and Michael Crouch
In 1945, four teenagers from different countries find their paths have all led to a voyage on the Wilhelm Gustloff, which is based on the true story of the most deadly maritime disaster. Marie, Damon, Morris, and Crouch effectively embody each of their characters making this historical novel unforgettable. LISTEN TO A CLIP:
SALT TO THE SEAby Ruta Sepetys
Read by Jorjeana Marie, Will Damron, Cassandra Morris, and Michael Crouch
In 1945, four teenagers from different countries find their paths have all led to a voyage on the Wilhelm Gustloff, which is based on the true story of the most deadly maritime disaster. Marie, Damon, Morris, and Crouch effectively embody each of their characters making this historical novel unforgettable. LISTEN TO A CLIP:
*Top Ten Pick*
STAR WARS AHSOKA
by E.K. Johnston
Read by Ashley Eckstein
After leaving the Jedi, Ahsoka begins to quietly live her life as a mechanic. When the Empire invades the new planet she has settled on, she gives them more of a fight than they anticipated. Eckstein’s high energy narration is enhanced by full movie-like sound effects, making this one out of this world.
LISTEN TO A CLIP:
STAR WARS AHSOKAby E.K. Johnston
Read by Ashley Eckstein
After leaving the Jedi, Ahsoka begins to quietly live her life as a mechanic. When the Empire invades the new planet she has settled on, she gives them more of a fight than they anticipated. Eckstein’s high energy narration is enhanced by full movie-like sound effects, making this one out of this world.
LISTEN TO A CLIP:
*Top Ten Pick*
WINK POPPY MIDNIGHT
by April Genevieve Tucholke
Read by Michael Crouch, Alicyn Packard, and Caitlin Davies
In this twisty tale of manipulations, Midnight finds himself caught between two girls—one who is lost, the other who creates her own story. Crouch, Packard and Davies work together beautifully in this atmospheric mystery, bringing depth to each of the characters.
LISTEN TO A CLIP:
WINK POPPY MIDNIGHTby April Genevieve Tucholke
Read by Michael Crouch, Alicyn Packard, and Caitlin Davies
In this twisty tale of manipulations, Midnight finds himself caught between two girls—one who is lost, the other who creates her own story. Crouch, Packard and Davies work together beautifully in this atmospheric mystery, bringing depth to each of the characters.
LISTEN TO A CLIP:
THE AMAZING BOOK IS NOT ON FIREby Dan Howell and Phil Lester
Read by the Authors
Buffy the Vampire Slayer, hamsters, anime, and drawing cat whiskers…just a few of the obsessions of British YouTube stars, danisnotonfire and AmazingPhil. Dan and Phil take this visually amazing book and transform it into an even more amazing audiobook.
LISTEN TO A CLIP:
GRIMM’S FAIRY TALESby the Brothers Grimm
Read by an award-winning cast
The real and gruesome tales from the Brothers Grimm are told by the biggest names in audiobooks. Every curse, every transformation, every chopped off appendage is presented with flourish in one convenient place.
LISTEN TO A CLIP:
HALF LOSTby Sally Green
Read by Carl Prekopp
In the midst of losing the war against the Council of White Witches, Nathan struggles to deal with having become a killer like his father. In this final volume of the Half Bad trilogy, Prekopp’s distinctive accents with enhanced sound effects makes this a listening adventure.
LISTEN TO A CLIP:
HIGHLY ILLOGICAL BEHAVIORby John Corey Whaley
Read by Robbie Daymond and Julia Whelan
Lisa Praytor wants to earn a psychology scholarship by curing her ex-classmate Sol of his agoraphobia. Daymond and Whelan’s emotional intensity builds with each chapter as the characters test the boundaries of their newly formed friendship.
LISTEN TO A CLIP:
HOLDING UP THE UNIVERSEby Jennifer Niven
Read by Jorjeana Marie and Robbie Daymond
In this love story between Jack and Libby, each must overcome obstacles—the least of which are his face blindness and her weight struggles. Marie and Daymond strike the perfect balance between these two teens as they come together.
LISTEN TO A CLIP:
THE INCIDENT ON THE BRIDGEBy Laura McNeal
Read by Lincoln Hoppe
It seems as though Thisbe jumped to her death, but her sister and friends are determined to find out where she really is. Hoppe deftly captures the personalities of the characters in this story told from multiple perspectives.
LISTEN TO A CLIP:
THE INQUISITOR’S TALEBy Adam Gidwitz
Read by the Author and a Full Cast
Featuring medieval music performed by Benjamin Bagby of Sequentia
Set in Medieval France, a la The Canterbury Tales, a white greyhound and three unlikely friends unite to escape prejudice and persecution. A full cast of narrators enhance this lively and miraculous adventure. Read author Adam Gidwitz’s blog post about his experience recording the audiobook. LISTEN TO A CLIP:
IRON MAN: THE GAUNTLETBy Eoin Colfer
Read by Ari Fliakos
Iron Man is outwitted by a young Irish girl who hacks into his suit in order to free her sister from an orphanage where she is being held captive. Fliakos skillfully handles the many accents while his comedic timing adds a level of fun to the intensity of the book.
LISTEN TO A CLIP:
OUR CHEMICAL HEARTSBy Krystal Sutherland
Read by Robbie Daymond
Henry Page is happily sailing through his senior year, until broken and mysterious Grace Town is chosen to co-edit the school newspaper with him. Daymond’s character voices will leave readers laughing and crying making this a memorable production.
LISTEN TO A CLIP:
THE SECRET HORSES OF BRIAR HILLBy Megan Shepherd
Read by Fiona Hardingham
Emmaline lives in a house with other children who suffer from the stillwaters (TB) during World War II. Only she can see the winged horses in the mirrors and one of them desperately needs her help. Hardingham’s narration gives this story a hint of childlike wonder mixed with the horror of living with tuberculosis.
LISTEN TO A CLIP:
THE SMELL OF OTHER PEOPLE’S HOUSESBy Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock
Read by Jorjeana Marie, Erin Tripp, Karissa Vacker, and Robbie Daymond
Four lives are woven together during the early years of Alaska’s statehood – a place that is unlike any other. Ruth, Dora, Alyce, and Hank are all hoping to change their lives and find family along the way. Multiple narrators allow each character to resonate in his or her own voice. Read author Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock’s blog post about the audiobook. LISTEN TO A CLIP:
THEIR FRACTURED LIGHTBy Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner
Read by Kim Mai Guest and MacLeod Andrews, with Cynthia Holloway and Abby Craden
Sofia and Gideon want to bring down Laroux Industries and close the rift between their world and that of the Whispers, an alien life form. But to do so, they will have to trust each other as the Starbound Trilogy comes to a satisfying end. Spooky sound effects add to the narrators’ solid character portrayals in this space odyssey.
LISTEN TO A CLIP:
THIEVING WEASELSBy Billy Taylor
Read by Robbie Daymond
Years after Skip escaped his dysfunctional family to attend boarding school, they locate him, dragging him back into their lies and schemes, where he finds himself wrapped in a murderous plot. Daymond’s Long Island accents construct this perfectly campy story. Read author Billy Taylor’s blog post about the audiobook.
LISTEN TO A CLIP:
2017 ALSC Notable Children’s Recordings
The Notable Children’s Recordings list includes recordings for children 14 years of age and younger of especially commendable quality that demonstrate respect for young people’s intelligence and imagination; exhibit venturesome creativity; and reflect and encourage the interests of children and young adolescents in exemplary ways.
Use the slider below to see Listening Library’s 6 Notable Children’s Recording selections.
ANNA AND THE SWALLOW MANby Gavriel Savit
Read by Allan Corduner
Allan Corduner’s gentle narration guides this dark journey of a young girl and the mysterious man she befriends in the harsh environment of World War II Poland. Ages 12 and up.
LISTEN TO A CLIP:
THE CAT WHO CAME IN OFF THE ROOFby Annie M.G. Schmidt
Read by Katherine Kellgren
A rollicking performance by Katherine Kellgren lets the listener enjoy the adventures of shy Mr. Tibble and the unusual Miss Minou. Ages 6-12.
LISTEN TO A CLIP:
THE LEAGUE OF BEASTLY DREADFULSBOOK 2: THE DASTARDLY DEED
by Holly Grant
Read by Rosalyn Landor
Rosalyn Landor deftly captures a wide range of sound effects and characters, from bats to shapeshifters, in this lively fantasy tale.
Ages 8 and up.
LISTEN TO A CLIP:
RAYMIE NIGHTINGALEby Kate DiCamillo
Read by Jenna Lamia
Jenna Lamia’s distinctive voices for Raymie and her friends infuse this audiobook with humor and heartbreak, making for a memorable listen. Ages 10-14.
LISTEN TO A CLIP:
WHERE ARE YOU GOING, BABY LINCOLN?by Kate DiCamillo
Read by Lorna Raver
In an installment of Tales from Deckawoo Drive, Lorna Raver narrates this story of Baby Lincoln’s Necessary Journey, bringing Kate DiCamillo’s inimitable style to life in an engaging way. Ages 6-9.
LISTEN TO A CLIP:
WOLF HOLLOWby Lauren Wolk
Read by Emily Rankin
Emily Rankin’s intimate narration carries the listener along on 12-year-old Annabelle’s haunting journey through a web of lies in a small Pennsylvania town in the shadow of WWII. Ages 10 and up.
LISTEN TO A CLIP:
