Standout Audiobook Recommendations for Kids Ages 8 to 12

AudioFile for The Children’s Book Review

Middle-grade listeners connect with many topics that touch their lives—school, family, friends, and animals. In this month’s selections we feature three unlikely protagonists at a pet shop; a clever new tale from Maryrose Wood, author of The Incorrigible Children series; a survival story in verse; and the story of a Chinese-American girl inspired by the Little House series among our standout listening recommendations for tweens ages 8 to 12. 

Ways to Make Sunshine

Story by Renée Watson

Read by Sisi Aisha Johnson

Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award

Narrator Sisi Aisha Johnson embodies all the joy and light of young Ryan Hart in this instant classic for middle-grade listeners. Ryan tries hard to be the leader her parents named her to be, but her competitive streak keeps getting in the way—whether she’s racing at recess or swimming at a slumber party even though it will ruin the hairstyle her grandmother spent so much time on. The boundless energy and compassion that Johnson gives Ryan steal the show. Review »

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Ages 7-10 | Length: 3 hrs. | Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

The Simple Art of Flying

Story by Cory Leonardo

Read by P.J. Ochlan

Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award

Listeners follow three unlikely protagonists at a pet shop. Alastair, a cantankerous parrot, literally devours and then reimagines classic literature while concocting desperate escape plans. Bertie, a lonely but irrepressible octogenarian, writes heartfelt letters to her late husband. And quirky 12-year-old Fritz, who wants to be a doctor, records his adolescent anxieties and dreams in a medical journal. P.J. Ochlan’s seamless delivery intensifies the listening experience, enhancing one’s emotional reactions to each twist of fate, moment of loss, and joyous discovery. Review »

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Ages 8-12 | Length: 6.75 hrs. | Publisher: Tantor Media

Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero

Story by Kelly J. Baptist

Read by Adam Lazarre-White

Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award

Adam Lazarre-White narrates this audiobook with heart. Isaiah’s family has struggled since his father died unexpectedly. Encouraged by a notebook filled with stories about “Isaiah Dunn, Superhero,” he vows to find a way to help his mother and to carry on his dad’s literary legacy. Lazarre-White’s depiction of Isaiah is achingly tender and surprisingly funny. The listener can feel every ounce of outsized emotion in this sensitive boy who is dealing with grief, loss of stability, and friendship insecurity. Another delight is listening to Isaiah’s poetry, which appears throughout the production. Review »

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Ages 8-10 | Length: 5 hrs. | Publisher: Listening Library

Alice’s Farm

Story by Maryrose Wood

Read by Dion Graham

Dion Graham is pure magic behind the microphone as he narrates this fun family-friendly story about Alice the rabbit, her furry companions, and the human people who move into the farm across the meadow. Listeners follow the story’s two families—the farmers and the animals. Graham imbues each character with such passion and personality that listeners will cherish every second of this beautifully woven and clever tale. Review »

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Ages 8-12 | Length: 11 hrs. | Publisher: Macmillan Audio

A Place at the Table

Story by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan

Read by Nikhaar Kishani and Caitlin Kelly

In a timely story about first-generation immigrants finding their place as they navigate the challenges of middle school, listeners will find an audiobook to

share . . . and discuss. Nikhaar Kishani is the voice of Sara, daughter of Pakistani immigrants and recent transfer from a small Islamic academy to the huge public middle school. Kishani communicates Sara’s struggles with feelings of loneliness, anger, and “otherness.” Elizabeth, whose mother is British and father Jewish, is given a believable teen voice by Caitlin Kelly. Review »

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Ages 10-12 | Length: 7.5 hrs. | Publisher: HMH Books & Media

The article Standout Audiobook Recommendations for Kids Ages 8 to 12 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, and Facebook @audiofilemagazine.

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