Best New Audiobooks for Middle-Grade Listeners, selected by AudioFile Magazine for The Children’s Book Review.
Thoughtful performances help bring to life the details of cultural identity featured in several of our audiobook recommendations this month. Skilled narrators capture the family dynamics and coming-of-age themes that middle-grade readers will relate to. Plus, this is a spooky yet comforting listen that’s perfect for the shorter days and darker nights of the late fall season.
Best New Audiobooks for Middle-Grade Listeners
Red Bird Danced
Written by Dawn Quigley
Read by Jennifer Bobiwash and Darrell Dennis
Harper Audio | 1.25 hrs | Ages 8-12
Jennifer Bobiwash and Darrell Dennis deliver powerful performances as Ariel and Tomah, Native American teenagers who are living in an urban intertribal housing project. A musical introduction sets an inspiring and reflective tone for this moving dual narrative. Compassionate narrations convey cultural identity, social issues, and coming-of-age themes that may inspire thoughtful conversations among teens and adults alike. Review»
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Cruzita and the Mariacheros
Written by Ashley Granillo
Read by EJ Lavery
Tantor Media | 5.75 hrs | Ages 11-14
EJ Lavery’s heartfelt narration captures a landscape of emotions and family dynamics in this coming-of-age novel. Lavery’s firm yet gentle tone captures the tension and love within Cruzita’s family as they try to keep alive the legacy of her great-uncle’s bakery and Cruzita’s dreams of becoming a pop star. Lavery’s performance highlights this audiobook’s rich theme of cultural identity. Review»
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Samira’s Worst Best Summer
Written by Nina Hamza
Read by Rasha Zamamiri
Harper Audio | 7.25 hrs | Ages 8-12
Rasha Zamamiri’s husky voice and believable Indian accents fill this delectable audiobook with humor. Thirteen-year-old Indian American Sammy, who is Muslim, has plans for the two weeks her parents and older sister are in India: books, videos, and staying in her room. But her heavily accented, gregarious grandmother, Umma, turns Sammy’s plans upside down. Zamamiri’s performance is spot-on for Sammy’s worst (best) summer. Review»
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The Pumpkin Princess and the Forever Night
Written by Steven Banbury
Read by Alyssa Bresnahan
Hachette Audio | 9.5 hrs | Ages 8-12
This spooky middle-grade audiobook has all the cozy comforts of autumn, and Golden Voice Alyssa Bresnahan sets the tone perfectly. When Eve runs away from the orphanage, she’s unexpectedly rescued and then adopted by the Pumpkin King. He takes her to Hallowell Valley, where she discovers that she’s the only living human among a bustling populace of scarecrows, witches, vampires, werewolves, skeletons, and other mysterious entities. An old-fashioned listening pleasure. Review»
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The Beautiful Game
Written by Yamile Saied Méndez
Read by Maria Liatis
Hachette Audio | 7.5 hrs | Ages 9+
Maria Liatis delivers a heartwarming performance as a 13-year-old with a passion for fútbol and her family. Valeria is a star player on the boys’ football team, coached by her gruff abuelo. Liatis’s sensitive, understated narration showcases the book’s rich themes of family, resilience, and perseverance and makes this an especially accessible listening experience for young teens who are trying to find their place in the world. Review»
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The article “The Best New Cultural Stories and Cozy Fall Audiobooks for Kids” 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 @AudioFileMagazine
