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Title: The Last Dogs: Dark Waters

Author: Christopher Holt

Narrator: Andrew Bates

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 34 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-28-13

Publisher: Hachette Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 9 votes

Genres: Kids, Ages 8-10

Publisher's Summary:

Having narrowly escaped a pack of vicious wolves, canine heroes Max, Rocky, and Gizmo are happy to find a moment of peace as they travel down the mighty river. Soon, the trio come across a lavish boat moored close to shore. They're wary of facing another community of dogs, but when they climb on board, they discover that things are different on this ship. These dogs aren't like the power-hungry ones they've encountered in the past. Food is plentiful and rationed fairly. Plus...they've seen humans, who Max, Rocky, and Gizmo thought had disappeared without a trace.

The brave companions meet new friends and encounter old enemies in their search for the humans while they travel to places they never imagined - from a high-speed monorail to a zoo filled with exotic animals. Max, Rocky, and Gizmo uncover secrets that promise to change their lives forever as they draw closer to figuring out why the humans left and being reunited with their families.

The Last Dogs: Dark Waters is the second audiobook in a thrilling series about three unlikely friends on an epic quest to find their people - and bring them home.

Members Reviews:

Amazing!

I loved this book! I think the narrator was great because he did really good voices and impersonations of the characters and I think it really expressed each of their personalities. I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves dogs, and more importantly, a great adventure.

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Title: Pilgrims and Puritans: 1620-1676

Subtitle: Drama of American History

Author: James Lincoln Collier, Christopher Collier

Narrator: Jim Manchester

Format: Unabridged

Length: 1 hr and 56 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-14-13

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 13 votes

Genres: Kids, Ages 8-10

Publisher's Summary:

InPilgrims and Puritans, the authors begin in the year 1620 in England and end in New England in the year 1676. The book recounts the religious, political, and social history of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and its influence on our lives today. The narrative follows various groups of settlers from their departure from England through arrival in the New World and their often violent conflicts with the native peoples of the Americas. The authors examine a number of issues that arose in the new society that was founded and the rise and fall of the "city on a hill."

History is dramatic - and the renowned, award-winning authors Christopher Collier and James Lincoln Collier demonstrate this in the compelling Drama of American History series aimed at young readers. Covering American history from the founding of Jamestown through present day, these volumes explore far beyond the dates and events of a historical chronicle to present a moving illumination of the ideas, opinions, attitudes, and tribulations that led to the birth of this great nation.

Members Reviews:

Wish there were more Pilgrims today

Informative, and concise. Has peaked my interest to learn more about my ancestor who sailed on the Mayflower.

Good for homeschooling

This series is a superb synopsis of American history. Examines both sides of issues, relates the backstory rationale for events and what was occurring elsewhere simultaneously. Finding myself as the mom/teacher caught up in the stories as well. Only complaints: some overlap between books instead of completely linear; and wish there were a study guide/TM and tests.

Using with other "living history" books/bios, and a wall timeline. Had tried Hakim's history "History of US" series (too dead-white-Christian-male bashing and too many inaccuracies) and History Channel's "A History of America" DVD (too revisionist). This series makes the facts interesting and relative.

recommend as a home school textbook

Very little historical information is available on the Puritians, yet they played a critical role in shaping our nation's heritage.

The Collier brothers are two of the best children's historians around. They are never dull. Instead of emphasizing dates and facts, they explore the motivations of these people who left the comforts of England for a forsaken wilderness with grim survival prospects.

The Colliers have a clear understanding of the Puritan theology and worldview.However, they seem to assume that the Puritan worldviews on the sovreignity of God and man's sinful state were unique to their times.

This is a great readable history for fourth grade through adults.

Note: This is part of the Drama of American History series

which begins with exploration of the New World through modern times. The Colliers have many books to their credit.

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Title: Elvis and the Underdogs

Author: Jenny Lee

Narrator: Patrick Lawlor

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 19 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-14-13

Publisher: HarperAudio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 35 votes

Genres: Kids, Ages 8-10

Publisher's Summary:

Benji Wendell Barnsworth is a small ten-year-old boy with a big personality. Born premature, Benji is sickly and accident prone and has a tendency to faint - a lot. He's at the hospital so often, he even has his own punch card. That is, until the day Benji wakes up from a particularly bad spell. Concerned for Benji's health, the doctor offers him two options: wear the world's ugliest padded helmet or get a therapy dog.

Benji chooses the dog, of course. But when a massive crate arrives at Benji's house, out walks a two hundred-pound Newfoundland. And that isn't even the strangest thing about the dog. He announces that his name is Parker Elvis Pembroke IV. That's right, this dog can talk! And boy, is he bossy. Having a bossy dog can come in handy, though. Elvis brings out the dog lover in the most surprising people and shows Benji that making new friends may not be as scary as he once thought.

From a fresh new voice comes the hilarious and poignant story about the importance of finding your own pack.

Members Reviews:

Started slow, but it was worth the setup.

Things take off once Elvis shows up - totally worth the wait. My boys loved every minute.

Wonderful Story - 10 year daughter and I loved.

This is one of the 2014/2015 Sunshine State Readers. Downloaded at the beginning of summer to listen to with my daughter. Didn't have very high expectations for this book, but was pleasantly surprised. It was a great story of friendship and trust.

The dog Elvis is such a great character. We loved how the story evolved and the lessons that both Benji and Elvis teach each other. The story kept us so involved that before we knew it we were at the end wishing for more.

Great find for kids and adults alike

Would you listen to Elvis and the Underdogs again? Why?

Really good storytelling and the entire family could relate (from 6 to 45!). It started off a bit slow, but we were on a road trip and all of us got involved with the story. It became hard to stop listening...and we were sad that the story ended.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Elvis. Love the attitude and wisdom of the dog.

Any additional comments?

More Elvis! We'd all love to read a sequel.

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Title: Clash of Cultures

Subtitle: Prehistory-1638

Author: Christopher Collier, James Lincoln Collier

Narrator: Jim Manchester

Format: Unabridged

Length: 1 hr and 58 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-01-13

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 4 votes

Genres: Kids, Ages 8-10

Publisher's Summary:

History is dramatic - and the renowned, award-winning authors Christopher Collier and James Lincoln Collier demonstrate this in this compelling series aimed at young listeners. Covering American history from the founding of Jamestown through the present day, these volumes explore far beyond the dates and events of a historical chronicle to present a moving illumination of the ideas, opinions, attitudes and tribulations that led to the birth of this great nation.

Members Reviews:

Just what we needed

This book is a great read for a child of about 10 or so. It gives the background information and cultural details necessary for a child to understand how Europeans came to dominate North America. The only thing I didn't like was the authors' description of Native American parenting practices as 'indulgent' simply because babies were carried around by their mothers and children weren't spanked. The word 'indulgent' has somewhat negative connotations, but I don't feel that non-violent parenting and keeping a baby with its mother (how else would a Native American baby have gotten fed?) deserve to be viewed as indulgent. Just a minor thing, but something I noticed. :)

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Title: Orphan Train Rider

Subtitle: One Boy's True Story

Author: Andrea Warren

Narrator: Laura Hicks

Format: Unabridged

Length: 1 hr and 26 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-01-13

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 41 votes

Genres: Kids, Ages 8-10

Publisher's Summary:

Between 1854 and 1930, more than 200,000 orphaned or abandoned children were sent west on orphan trains to find new homes. Some were adopted by loving families; others were not as fortunate. In recent years, some of the riders have begun to share their stories. Andrea Warren alternates chapters about the history of the orphan trains with the story of Lee Nailling, who in 1926 rode an orphan train to Texas.

Members Reviews:

Great short story of a part of our history!

In years past, as today, there have always been children who find themselves needing a home outside of their birth families. In earlier times, families often took in orphaned, or needy children, then immigration and poor jobs and wages, made this all but impossible. This book tells the story of one man's solution to this problem. A pastor decided that there was a better solution than housing kids in orphanages. Thus the Orphan Trains were started from the Children's Aid Society.

Orphan Trains took inner city kids cross country to give families in the Midwest and south an opportunity to choose kids from the trains to become a part of their family. Between 1854 and 1930, more than 200,000 children were placed into families by this method. This book tells one man's journey from his mother's death to his final placement into a good home. Lee Nailing tells his story from abandonment by his father, splitting up of his siblings, to becoming the "son" of a wonderful family. He eventually got in touch with a couple of his surviving siblings too. Parts of other children's experiences were interspersed within this story. Some poor experiences, but mostly good ones.

Children from these trains generally grew up to be good productive citizens, including one governor, a leader in Alaska, leaders in other children's aid groups, and other community leaders. Very interesting book, good for adults and for teaching children about this part of history. Pictures included.

Page turner

I loved this book. It was a roller coaster ride of emotions! I thoroughly enjoyed it!

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Title: I Am Lavina Cumming

Author: Susan Lowell

Narrator: Barbara Caruso

Format: Unabridged

Length: 4 hrs and 52 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-20-13

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Kids, Ages 8-10

Publisher's Summary:

In 1905, 10-year-old Lavina Cumming hugs her father good-bye and boards a train headed north. She is leaving her father, her five brothers, and her ranch in Arizona Territory to live with her rich aunt in California. With warmth and charm, award-winning author Susan Lowell paints a unique portrait of life in historic California. I Am Lavina Cumming blends adventure, friendship, and southwestern lore into a delightful story that will win the hearts of young listeners everywhere.

Members Reviews:

Really great book, and true to life

This is a really wonderful book, and having lived in both Southeast Arizona and Santa Cruz, California, I can attest to the vivid accuracy of the author's details in capturing the essence of each of these very different places, both the physical place and its people. The main character, Lavina Cumming, is a person the reader will greatly enjoy getting to know: strong, sensitive, full of life, down-to-earth, warm, and big-hearted.

Historical fiction for kids

Lavina (pronounced with long "i" sound) is a young girl of Scottish descent who grew up as a cowgirl in the Arizona desert speaking both English and Spanish; she's now off to California to live with her aunt to learn how to be a lady.

The summary sounded interesting and I enjoyed the first few chapters as they flew by. For the most part I enjoyed it until the Halloween chapter, then came the story of the witch who ate babies (not very amusing). I did like the rest of the book though. The author used great storytelling abilities to weave in flashbacks and family stories right into what was currently happening. The descriptions in the book tell many accurate facts of the historical time period, including the great San Francisco earthquake of 1906.

A Real Treasure

This is an awesome story that captured the real essence of life near the AZ-MX border. It is also very inspiring specially the great strength and perseverance shown by Lavina. It is very good example for every young ladies. It also showcases the natural cleverness and wisdom learned from the very unique interaction with man and nature along the beautiful landscape of Southern Arizona. Another great bonus of this novel is the authentic stories included that wrapped up the historical facts of early Southern Arizona territories. The author should be commended in having this novel. I can not wait to share this great story with other students in school.

A book you shouldn't miss!

Lavina is a ten-year-old girl who lives at the Bosque Ranch in the Arizona territory in the early 1900's. Her mother died, and her father is sending her to live in California with her aunt. When she arrives, she steps into a whole different world. Sometimes her Aunt Agnes reminds her of her father. Her aunt has a daughter named Maude, and Maude has a daughter, Aggie, who is eight. It's hard to get along with Aggie, but Lavina makes friends at school. Lavina has a fight with her aunt one night, and she plans to run away in the morning, but something big happens before she gets the chance. This is a well-written book.

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Title: Clarice Bean Spells Trouble

Author: Lauren Child

Narrator: Claire Skinner

Format: Unabridged

Length: 2 hrs and 51 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-07-13

Publisher: Hachette Children's Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 10 votes

Genres: Kids, Ages 8-10

Publisher's Summary:

An utterly good audio edition of this best-selling Clarice Bean novel, read by Claire Skinner, star of the hit BBC series Outnumbered.

There are so many things in life you can't explain. Like why isn't YOU spelt U? Why isn't WHY spelt Y? And why can just opening your mouth get you into some very BIG trouble? Clarice Bean is in non-stop trouble these days - almost as much as Karl Wrenbury, and he is the naughtiest boy in school. Clarice just wants to star in the school play and impress Mrs Wilberton in the spelling bee. But things aren't quite going to plan....

Critic Reviews:

"Witty and charming...we can't get enough of Clarice Bean." (Sunday Times)

"Lauren Child is so good it's exhilarating." (The Independent)

Members Reviews:

Clarice bean

Clarinet bean is a great children's series!

I promote it to children between 6 and 15!

My thoughts about Clarice bean books.

clarice bean is a lovely story but at the same time a true story it gets you thinking about lots of different things in life. You can't leave it alone but you are learning so much about the world you live in and school later on in your life. You don't realise that you are learning something because you are to busy enjoying it. It is a good story for all ages and great for the young mind. Clarice bean is my favourite story of all time and because I am only 9 years old I enjoy listing to it because it tells me a lot about middle school and my future life as a adult. so when I do get a job when I am older I can look back to my childhood and listen to clarice bean again and again. I am sure that I will be able to listen to clarice bean through the whole of my life. I also want there to be lots more clarice bean books to come. I LOVE CLARICE BEAN BOOKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!,!!!!,!. Thank you Lauren Child. Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaasssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! write more books.

Perfect for a 7 year old girl

What did you like most about Clarice Bean Spells Trouble?

My little girl loved this book. Her face was brilliant to watch as she listened. She cringed when Clarice was getting in trouble & she gasped when she did something naughty & giggled to herself in the funny parts.

What other book might you compare Clarice Bean Spells Trouble to, and why?

It has all the magic of a Lauren Child book, if your little ones loved Charlie & Lola when they were little, this is the perfect natural progression.

This was the best thing ever my child loves it it soooo good this keeps my child soooo happy and quite

Fantastic

Any additional comments?

Wonderful. Highly recommended for range of children. Will appeal across wide ages. Mine think this very funny.

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Title: The Salem Witch Trials

Subtitle: An Unsolved Mystery from History

Author: Jane Yolen, Heidi Elisabet Yolan Stemple

Narrator: Jessica Almasy

Format: Unabridged

Length: 25 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-05-13

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 2.5 of 5 out of 9 votes

Genres: Kids, Ages 8-10

Publisher's Summary:

During the long, cold winter of 1692, seven young ladies from Salem, Massachusetts, begin to display disturbing symptoms. Theyre convulsing, contorting, cowering, and croaking strange sounds. Finding no help from medical books, the village doctor declares them bewitched. Having already triggered more than 60,000 executions in Europe, the fear of witchcraft begins its work - even among sensible, down-to-earth New Englanders. And before its all over, 141 people are arrested - 19 women are hanged, one man is crushed to death, and four others die in jail.

But long after the damning testimony of ghosts - seen and heard only by the bewitched - was forever banned from courts, one question remains: What really happened?

Jane Yolen - whose hundreds of books have garnered numerous accolades, including Golden Kite and Nebula Awards - teams up with her private detective daughter Heidi Elisabet Yolen Stemple to craft this Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award winner. Jessica Almasys stellar narration adds luster to a baffling episode in U.S. history.

Critic Reviews:

This [book] effectively introduces an intriguing subject, and the mystery of what really happened is more than enough to whet kids appetites. (Booklist)

This is an innovative way to involve young people in the study of history. (Childrens Literature)

The investigative approach encourages readers to evaluate the evidence (Library Journal)

Members Reviews:

Didn't realize this was a kid's book

Would you try another book from Jane Yolen and Heidi Elisabet Yolan Stemple and/or Jessica Almasy?

No but only because I'm not an adolescent girl. This would be find for a young girl, I think that is who the book was aimed at. Guess I didn't read the description thoroughly enough.

Has The Salem Witch Trials turned you off from other books in this genre?

This genre seems to be aimed at young girls or young children who want to learn about history. If I had a child in middle school I would most definitely have them listen to this book.

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Title: The Secret School

Author: Avi

Narrator: Johanna Parker

Format: Unabridged

Length: 2 hrs and 46 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-30-13

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 38 votes

Genres: Kids, Ages 8-10

Publisher's Summary:

In 1925 Colorado, 14-year-old Ida Bidson dreams of becoming a teacher, but she knows it wont be easy. When the school board closes the towns one-room school, threatening to keep Ida from finishing eighth grade and moving on to high school, it looks like her dream will never come true. Then she and her classmates come up with a plan for a secret school - with Ida as their teacher!

Members Reviews:

A slow-paced book with good character development

14-year-old Ida wants to be a school teacher, and she undertakes the temporary task of being the schoolmarm for her entire town when the teacher unexpectedly leaves. Without finishing the year, she can not be accepted into high school, so she and the other students make a secret agreement to continue having school with Ida as the teacher.

This book shows the pull between desire and duty. It's a good book for characters and giving personality insights... but not much action takes place. The non-standard English makes this fun to read out loud. The children drive their parents' old jalopy to school -- that's fun.

We liked this book as a family. The family relationships within the book are very strong. Ida's friend Tom is a great boy character -- clever, inventive, lght-hearted and well-meaning.

Old-fashioned Spunk

A quietly lovely book of children who truly take charge of their own education. I used it as a classroom novel in my 5th grade (so we all read through it at the same time and discussed it). It worked very well for that level.

Great American History

great for kids with ambition

The Secret School by Avi

Five stars

I choose this rating for this book because it has so much things that I would say are funny, sad or maybe even angry, this book has so much I can`t explain all of it. If anyone is thinking of reading a book I would recommend this book.

I like this book because this book has so much in it I will only say a few things of what I like, fist I like the part when Herbert visits Ida at a pond, she says to him that she likes as a friend and he said even better than Tom, then she splashed water and says Sho, and he laughs and runs away.

I would recommend this book to anyone that likes to read.

Five Stars

This is a great story!

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Title: Dirty Shorts

Subtitle: The Shorts Series, Book 3

Author: Margaret Clark

Narrator: Stig Wemyss

Format: Unabridged

Length: 1 hr and 26 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-29-13

Publisher: Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

Genres: Kids, Ages 8-10

Publisher's Summary:

The Razorblades are dirty. They play dirty. They fight dirty. When the Razors wreck the Top Boys' head-quarters, that's it. The Top Boys are going to get them - they're going to make the Razors eat dirt. But they need help. They need another Top Boy NOW! Someone real tough, someone who can out-skate the Razors, out-think them and out-fight them. Is Dixie the answer?