The Best New Audiobooks for Young Listeners Selected by AudioFile Magazine for The Children’s Book Review
The Best New Audiobooks for Young Listeners
AudioFile’s Editors have five audiobooks for the youngest listeners to share with their families. Listen to former U.S. poet laureate Joy Harjo narrate her beautiful picture book, REMEMBER, or learn more about our newest Supreme Court Justice in Carole Boston Wetherford’s uplifting biography. Read on for more recommendations of captivating stories for lovers of folktales, poetry, history, animals, and a good story. These audiobooks can be listened to alone or with their picture books in hand.
Former U.S. poet laureate Joy Harjo, a member of the Mvskoke Nation, embraces listeners with her warm earthy voice. Repetition of the titular word, “remember,” drives this celebration of connections: to family, to the earth, to the elements, to the universe. Harjo’s narration is unhurried and assured. Still, listeners enjoying it alongside the stunning paintings by Michaela Goade, who is Tlingit and Haida, may want to return to them in silence to absorb their details. Inspiring and, yes, memorable. Review »
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Kapaemahu
Story by Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, Dean Hamer, and Joe Wilson
Read by Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu
Listening Library | 23 mins. | Ages 4+ | AudioFile Earphones Award
Surf, Hawaiian music, and song provide an immersive backdrop for Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu’s spellbinding performance. The resonance and musical quality in Wong-Kalu’s voice add to this dual-language retelling of the legend of Kapaemahu. This is the story of four Tahitian healers who were “mahu,” that is, without male or female gender, who traveled around the islands administering their cures. A gracious and heartfelt presentation of themes of culture, heritage, and identity. Review »
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All Rise: The Story of Ketanji Brown Jackson
Story by Carole Boston Weatherford
Read by Carole Boston Weatherford
Listening Library | 14 mins. | Ages 4+
In this uplifting biography, author and narrator Carole Boston Weatherford celebrates the accomplishments of Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. Echoing the insistent rhythms of the Maya Angelou poem “Still I Rise,” Weatherford traces Justice Jackson’s ascent from her early years in Miami, Florida, to her distinguished judicial career. Weatherford’s narration is crisp, spare, and suffused with joy for what Jackson’s rise means for her and for the generations to come who will look up to her. Review »
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How do you teach the story of slavery in America? That’s the challenge addressed in Kwame Alexander’s inspired poem, narrated by Stacy Gonzalez. A teacher discusses the painful truths about slavery with her class of incredulous students who try to comprehend the horror, the sadness, and their teacher’s distress. As Gonzalez speaks in tones taut with emotion, a sense of foreboding and fear is enhanced by agitated drumbeats in the background. Gradually, the voices grow more confident and defiant—affirming that people must speak out about slavery’s impact on history. Review »
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Feathers Together
Story by Caron Levis
Read by Hallie Ricardo and Caron Levis
Dreamscape | 15 mins. | Ages 4+
Malena and Klepetan, two white storks, are used to staying together when their flock migrates between Croatia and South Africa for the summer and winter seasons. However, when Malena gets hurt, the pair must spend the winter apart. Narrator Hallie Ricardo’s voice is expressive, clear, and comfortably paced. She gives the storks personalities as they cope with their separation and prepare to be reunited. An added note by author Caron Levis describes the storks’ real-life story. 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 @AudioFileBehindTheMicPodcast.
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