Discover the Top 100 Audiobooks in Kids, Ages 8-10

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Title: The Diamond of Darkhold

Subtitle: The Fourth Book of Ember

Author: Jeanne Duprau

Narrator: Katherine Kellgren

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 30 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-02-08

Publisher: Listening Library

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 308 votes

Genres: Kids, Ages 8-10

Publisher's Summary:

In the fourth Book of Ember, best-selling author Jeanne DuPrau juxtaposes yet another action-packed adventure with powerful themes about hope, learning, and the search for truth.

Critic Reviews:

"An electric debut. Lina and Doon's search parallels the universal adolescent quest for answers." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Satisfying conclusion to the Ember series

This is book 4 of 4 in the "Ember" series which describes a post-apocalyptic earth in hopeful terms. I like that part of the series' approach, though the overall style can be a little pedantic (in my adult opinion) for moral lessons. However, the target audience is juvenile readers so I think the clarity and overt description of moral connections is likely appropriate. All middle and elementary schoolers I have spoken to about this book have really enjoyed it.

SPOILER ALERT: This book starts out roughly where ThePeople of Sparks (book 2) leaves off, with winter in full swing and people struggling to get along and survive the winter. The two protagonists want to (again) save things by going back to their abandoned City of Ember. Their adventures are interesting and of course hold many moral lessons. The story telling is skillful and writing is also well done. I would say as an adult I am more accustomed to loose ends left for the reader to fill in according to the reader's inclinations which sometimes can be unsatisfying - other times it is an excellent way to get the reader to continue to ponder and discuss the book long after finishing it. Here, the tying up of details will satisfy all juveniles and any adult who gets frustrated by open endings.

Bad Ending

What did you love best about The Diamond of Darkhold?

The story was amazing, but it had a poor ending.

Has The Diamond of Darkhold turned you off from other books in this genre?

No

Which scene was your favorite?

Going back to the city.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Not really

Finally Back to the Action

You'll be happy to hear that in this final book we get to go back to the original action and locations. There are many many holes in this story. It goes beyond suspension of belief (how can canned food last that long, for one). However, we get to see Ember again with the old gang and more new discoveries from the builders which was a relief. The ending is oh so lame I'm afraid. She tries to wrap it all up neatly and it goes off as a....huh? However, I think if you liked Ember (the first book) you'll enjoy this one well enough.

Excellent read

You need to read the first 3 to appreciate The Diamond of Darkhold. This book tied all 3 of them together beautifully and I was fascinated through the entire book. I loved the ah ha moments...

An Exciting Listen with the Kids

Well read. This is an exciting next step in the series. Kept the whole family engaged.

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Title: In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson

Author: Bette Bao Lord

Narrator: Melissa Hughes

Format: Unabridged

Length: 3 hrs and 10 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-19-08

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 84 votes

Genres: Kids, Ages 8-10

Publisher's Summary:

Poignant and humorous, this award-winning story of Shirley's adventures as a Chinese immigrant learning the ropes in post-war America is a treasure.

©1986 Shirley Temple Wong; (P)2007 Audio Bookshelf

Members Reviews:

Great!

What a wonderful book. I loved listening to the story of little Shirley with my daughter.

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Title: The Case of the Wounded Buzzard on Christmas Eve

Author: John R. Erickson

Narrator: John R. Erickson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 2 hrs and 12 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-04-08

Publisher: Maverick Books Inc

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 68 votes

Genres: Kids, Ages 8-10

Publisher's Summary:

Along the way, Hank and the gang are struck not only by the meaning of Christmas but also by a 25-pound buzzard who crashes through their windshield. When they finally get to town, they get caught up in the festivities...and the Sandy Clothes parade. It's a holiday none of them will soon forget!

Junior sings "My Daddy Had a Wreck Today" and Wallace sings "A Pox, A Pox, on Emily Post".

Members Reviews:

so
loved it Hank the cow
do is good me and

loved it

funny great awesomea we enjoy it every time keep making Hank thanks again

Laugh out loud funny!

Would you consider the audio edition of The Case of the Wounded Buzzard on Christmas Eve to be better than the print version?

Yes

Which character as performed by John R. Erickson was your favorite?

Junior - the young buzzard

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

LAUGH!

Any additional comments?

This book is funny for kids and adults. The humor and language are clean, and the voices are hilarious! He does a great job on the voices and also in the songs! There are some sweet messages in this story, but I don't believe the messages are the priority, so if you're simply looking for a fun story with good humor, this is a great choice. It's festive too!

Makes me laugh everytime.

Where does The Case of the Wounded Buzzard on Christmas Eve rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

Great for kids and adults. I grew up listening to Hank and now my kids find it just as enjoyable as I did. Good, entertaing story with a lesson.

What did you like best about this story?

I like humor in this book, especially the situations that Slim gets into.

What about John R. Ericksons performance did you like?

The fact that he does all the voices himself adds to the entertainment value.

One of THE best storytellers. Delightful!

What made the experience of listening to The Case of the Wounded Buzzard on Christmas Eve the most enjoyable?

One of our favorites of the entire series! We started with book 1 and ended up with a couple of dozen since the 1980's. Our tapes literally eroded so we got some CDs and now have them here through Audible where they never will scratch or degrade! John Erickson is a master storyteller and a superb voice actor. His wit, humor, malapropisms and spoonerisms of Hank have the adults laughing and the kids get hysterical over the various scrapes Hank gets himself into. These stories started out for adults, in a magazine for cowboys for 17 years. But they are terrific for the kiddies too. There is always a moral woven through the story. He also has plumbed the heart and mind of dogs!!

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Title: The Pilgrims of Rayne

Subtitle: Pendragon, Book 8

Author: D. J. MacHale

Narrator: William Dufris

Format: Unabridged

Length: 16 hrs and 27 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-03-08

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 192 votes

Genres: Kids, Ages 8-10

Publisher's Summary:

The leaders of Ibara are keeping a devastating secret from their people, one that gives Saint Dane all the opportunity he needs to launch his final assault on Halla.

While Bobby struggles to learn the truth in time to thwart Saint Dane, Courtney Chetwynde desperately searches for Mark Dimond. On the heels of a shocking tragedy, Mark has disappeared. Worse, he seems to be under Saint Dane's influence. It's up to Courtney to find Mark and stop him from making a grave mistake that could change the future of all existence.

Members Reviews:

Amazing series of books!

Great series of books, I love them! I feel like some of the plot can be weak at times but overall I like it a lot. The reader of this audio book was kind of corny, but I got used to it. Over all a great audio book!

I hope you have enjoyed our presentation

j.k. R is dope af af af af af af af af af af af uniquely unique

very nice

I love this series! Nice voice changing! It feels very immersive! I even had dreams about the adventures of the travelers while I sleep when I listen to the audio book. I reccomend!

Excellent!

I love the Pendragon series, I could probably read it a thousand times over and I still wouldn't be tired of it. My only complaint would be Mr. Dufris' continuity errors in pronunciation. In the previous book, he pronounced "Ibara" as "eye-bar-a" and in this he pronounces it, "ih-bar-a", as in a short "I" and not a long one. Also, he pronounces "dados" as "day-doughs" in this book and "daa-doughs" in the previous. It wouldn't have been a big deal except for each book had a pronunciation I like and one I didn't like. Drove me crazy at first. Again, I know I'm being a stickler, but that's my only complaint, well, other than how he pronounces, "lived" it's the past participle of "to live" not some weird addition to the adjective "live".

Simply stunning!

This series is beyond amazing and I'm so glad to have stumbled upon it! The audio performance is superb and creates the world of Bobby Pendragon to the fullest extent!

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Title: The Reality Bug

Subtitle: Pendragon, Book 4

Author: D. J. MacHale

Narrator: William Dufris

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 58 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-03-08

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 231 votes

Genres: Kids, Ages 8-10

Publisher's Summary:

Fresh from his battle with Saint Dane on 1937 Earth, Bobby is confident that he can defeat whatever Saint Dane has planned for this world. But once Bobby enters the virtual world, will he be able to resist the lure of the ultimate in escapism?

Critic Reviews:

"The popular fantasy time-travel series makes a smooth transition to audio with Dufris at the helm, using his upbeat delivery and believable teen rhythms to keep listeners enthralled." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Ohhhhh I have to rush to book 5 now!

What made the experience of listening to The Reality Bug the most enjoyable?

I really loved this one! It was my fave out of the series so far! It was great to see Loor fighting alongside Bobby again and the Martix-esque world was super intriguing! I can't believe this is an MG series because i enjoy the heck out of it. I told myself I wouldn't start Black Water until i got more out my TBR list but not sure if that's a promise I can keep. I love Bobby Pendragon's world!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Loor! She's the perfect heroine!

What about William Dufriss performance did you like?

That he's super interactive!

Whiny character voices

If you actually LIKE overacting in movies and television programs, you will love this performance. I read these books as they came out in print and enjoyed all of them with the exception of the last book in the series. My problem with the audiobook lies with its voice actor. I would rather him read it in his normal voice than the whiny, overly sensitive voices that he gives every character. The guys normal voice is good enough.

If you can get past that, the story is good.

Long

This book was definitely the longest book so far. Just when you thought the puzzle was solved, you would see that there is another seven hours...four hours2.5 hours left. And then when you think it's time to puzzle it out again, there's only 30 minutes left. It was really unique on its own. The author clearly you some new techniques that were quite different from the previous formulas.

Captivated!!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend the whole series to friends and have previously! I've tried to read this books a long time ago while I was young but never finished them. Now that I've have audible I've been going through each book wanting to know more about these territories!

Have you listened to any of William Dufriss other performances before? How does this one compare?

William Dufris's performances have been wonderful and I absolutely love how he add some flair while people are talking through the radio. Adding that radio speech really immerses me into thinking that the characters are talking through a radio.

Not a huge fan of the narrator

I just don't think his voice fits. Although the voice modulation on certain parts is cool and layering audio is a nice touch for when multiple people are speaking at the same time is a cool idea. Just can't get over how poorly the guy's voice fits the characters.

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Title: The Case of the Halloween Ghost

Author: John R. Erickson

Narrator: John R. Erickson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 2 hrs and 1 min

Language: English

Release date: 05-29-08

Publisher: Maverick Books Inc

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 133 votes

Genres: Kids, Ages 8-10

Publisher's Summary:

Wallace the Buzzard makes his singing debut doing a number called "Buzzard Love" and a chorus of ghosts sing an old Shaker hymn called "Followers of the Lamb".

Members Reviews:

Fun for the whole family

What did you love best about The Case of the Halloween Ghost?

We enjoy his subtle humor and dogs eye view.

What does John R. Erickson bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

All of his character voices are perfect.

John R. Erickson Talent Knows No Bounds

The man writes his own stories, performs them with a different voice for each character, and writes and performs his own original songs. Having grown up on a farm with dogs, John R. Erickson's stories give humorous explanations for why dogs do what they do. These stories also give children an excellent base for logical thought progression and are very entertaining while they do it.

Love the series

Love all the Hank the Cow Dog Series!

My boys love hearing them when on road trips!

A laughter filled family freindly Halloween story.

A blast from the past that never gets old no matter old you are, Hank the Cowdog is a laugh for the whole family.

This little two hour story will charm your socks off as Hank and his buddy, Drover, try to protect the ranch from ghosts that show up on Halloween night. Get ready for bone headed plans, silly misunderstandings, conversations that go in circles, and two dogs trying to figure out what exactly Halloween is anyway.

The book is narrated by the author who does a fantastic job and he even wrote in two little songs in there that is played to music and other sound effects. It's still impressive and still holds up great considering Hank the Cowdog used to just be on cassette tapes.

The book is highly recommended to anyone who has ever owned an especially goofy dog and has laughed in wonder at what exactly goes on between the ears sometimes. This story is also all around family freindly and thematic to Halloween, so it's a great two hour distraction during the month of October.

the best book in the series

I love listening to this book on my porch every year on halloween.and I can't wait until next time I enjoy it.

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Title: Felicity

Subtitle: An American Girl

Author: Valerie Tripp

Narrator: Carrie Hitchcock

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 27 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-08-08

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 90 votes

Genres: Kids, Ages 8-10

Publisher's Summary:

With fiercely conflicting loyalties dividing family and friends, something as simple as a cup of tea could change Felicity's world forever. Can she find the courage to stand strong for her own beliefs - even if it might mean losing her best friend?

Members Reviews:

Lovely

The book is amazing and show's great promise and it is worth listening to so do listen to it

Great Book

This is a really good book. Get it if you love American girl! And if you haven't read American girl before, get it anyway!

A great story!

My daughter and I was sad when it was done. Great story and great narration.

I still love Felicity to this day!

I read and listened to these books when I was 9 and 10. I'm 16 going on 17 and I still love Felicity to this day! I love her independence and vibrancy. I recently reread (listened to) Felicity again and its still as amazing as I remember. Felicity is a great story for 9 year olds to 90 year olds.

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Title: Nim's Island

Author: Wendy Orr

Narrator: Kate Reading

Format: Unabridged

Length: 2 hrs and 25 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-12-08

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 620 votes

Genres: Kids, Ages 8-10

Publisher's Summary:

But when Jack disappears in his sail boat and disaster threatens her home, Nim must be braver than she's ever been before. And she needs help from her friends, old and new.

Critic Reviews:

"[A] fantasy tale as welcome as a breath of fresh tropical air....With ample doses of suspense and comedy...the tale portrays the improbable so cleverly that readers will want to believe everything about the likable Nim and her idyllic isle." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Enchanting for All

I loved the movie but I'm glad I didn't miss the book! It is delightful and so cleverly written. This is a true classic in children's literature! -Not that it is just for children. It has appeal for adults, too. The author's plain but sprightly narrative is most engaging. A very worthwhile book!

A Movie in Your Head

Thank God, for Children's Books

I like books from all genres, but mostly I like well written, entertaining books I can get lost in. Nim's Island is a beautiful story on a beautiful Island. Nim's days are busy with play, friends and chores. The Island provides all her needs. The writing is so well done, that you will feel the warmth of the sun on your face, the spray of the ocean, and the warm breeze. I have been disappointed in several adult books lately and I am so glad I found this little story of escape. Kids, will like it, but I liked as an adult.

My daughter's favorite book

My daughter is 5 and doesn't usually have the attention to listen to a chapter book (other than this and the Wizard of Oz) but she asks for this one repeatedly. Something in the story has grabbed her imagination. She says, "it's fun and scary and funny at the same time." The scary parts aren't too scary and she likes that Nim helps the adults and the bad guys don't win. This is a great book. Not too simplistic because it grabbed my imagination, too.

Great Deserted Island Tale

Nim is such a great, strong girl character! She and her friends (a sea lion, a marine iguana, and a great green turtle) survive alone on the island while her father is adrift in a broken-ruddered boat. The email correspondence with Alex is perhaps a little contrived and the ending is incredibly fortuitous but you will be happy with it! I know I was.

Sea Girls Dream

My daughter dreams of swimming with sharks and living on the water. She has kayaked the islands of Tampa Bay, and studied the ocean in school. This audio book took her into her dreams. She read the book and then enjoyed just listening to the story over again. We both agree the movie was good, the book was better.

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Title: Song of the Trees

Author: Mildred D. Taylor

Narrator: Allyson Johnson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 39 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-14-08

Publisher: Penguin Group USA and Audible

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 73 votes

Genres: Kids, Ages 8-10

Publisher's Summary:

With the depression bearing down on her family and food in short supply, Cassie Logan isn't sure where her next meal will come from. But there is one thing that she knows will always be there - the whispering trees outside her window. Cassie's trees are a steady source of comfort to her, but they also happen to be worth a lot of money. When Mr. Andersen tries to force Big Ma to sell their valuable trees, Cassie can't just sit by and let it happen. She knows that her family needs the money, but something tells her that they need the trees just as much. The beloved heroine of Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry enchants us again in this story of strength and pride.

©1975 Mildred Taylor, Jerry Pinkney; (P)2008 Penguin

Members Reviews:

Homeschool family review

I listened to this book with my children as part of their daily homeschool reading requirement. We loved the book. We are trying to read/listen to each novel in the series about the Logan family.

I sure enjoyed this story... So good.

This is a very interesting series... I was touched by the things they suffered so wrongly... I highly recommend reading or listening to the entire set.

Too Short

What did you like best about Song of the Trees? What did you like least?

It was a good chapter in a book, not a story.

Would you ever listen to anything by Mildred D. Taylor again?

Yes

Which scene was your favorite?

It was only one scene

Do you think Song of the Trees needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

It does have one, and it's like another chapter, much too short.

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Title: Love, Stargirl

Author: Jerry Spinelli

Narrator: Mandy Siegfried

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 20 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-23-07

Publisher: Listening Library

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 126 votes

Genres: Kids, Ages 8-10

Publisher's Summary:

In letters to Leo over the course of a year, Stargirl comes to find hope in new places: mockingbirds, donut angels, moon flowers, and the Winter Solstice. But what's life without Leo? Will he, can he, answer that one crucial question she asks every morning to the rising sun?

Members Reviews:

Wonderful book!

My 8 year old daughter and I enjoyed listening to this book on our way to school each morning. Highly recommend!

Fresh, Funny Follow Up

I enjoyed the follow up book just as much as the first one. Star Girl remains a friendly and extremely unique individual. She is very accepting of those she meets and she makes friends with other unusual and interesting people. After reading this book I feel my own creativity stirred and I feel inspired to go out and LIVE!

Fantastic

Where does Love, Stargirl rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

This was the first audiobook I listened to and it was amazing!!

What other book might you compare Love, Stargirl to and why?

This book gives a whole new perspective to the Original Stargirl book. Its amazing how you see a different perspective and it answers a few questions one may have after reading the Stargirl novel. It also had an incredible attention to details

What does Mandy Siegfried bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

Mandy Sigfried brought a new light to the book with the way she read it.

Great Follow Up!

Love Stargirl! This is a great follow up to the first Stargirl book. The narration is great. Such a good group of characters. These stories are just so wonderful and touching. I recommend this book for all ages.

Very good.

She mispronounced saguaro, but she makes an excellent StarGirl. It was a very good reading.