26 FAIRMOUNT AVENUE: BOOKS 1 - 4 [AUDIO BOOK]
by Tomie DePaola
narrated by the author
Listening Library;ISBN: 0807205443;$30;2002

The author's boyish enthusiasm as he reads these snippets from his own childhood-from indignation at the movie version of Snow White to heartfelt concern at baby sister Maureen's pneumonia-gives these stories a special warmth.

Suggested for ages 6 - 10
Subjects: United States - History - 1933-1945

A GREAT AND TERRIBLE BEAUTY [AUDIOBOOK]
by Libba Bray
narrated by Josephine Bailey
Listening Library;ISBN: 0807220663;$70;

From the heat-drenched streets of Bombay to the cobblestones of Victorian England, eerie events and occult drama suffuse this gothic tale of a young girl’s quest to understand her mother’s death. Bailey’s impeccable pacing, as well as her ability to delineate a wide variety of characters—from sinister to saccharine—makes this an audiobook that truly lives up to its title.

Suggested for ages 13 - 16
Subjects: Gothic Novels

A HAT FULL OF SKY: THE CONTINUING ADVENTURES OF TIFFANY ACHING AND THE WEE FREE MEN
by Terry Pratchett
narrated by Stephen Briggs
Harper Audio;ISBN: 0060747684;$34.95;2004

Tiffany Aching, feisty heroine of "The Wee Free Men," is now trying to learn witchcraft while being hunted by a powerful, hostile, and invisible force. The tiny, blue Nac Mac Feegle again provide protection and lots of comic relief. Briggs has the perfect accent to embody all of Pratchett’s varied and eccentric characters in an outstanding performance.

Suggested for ages 12 - 16
Subjects: England

A NORTHERN LIGHT [AUDIOBOOK]
by Jennifer Donnelly
narrated by Hope Davis
Listening Library;ISBN: 0807208957;$30;2003

Through the eyes of 16-year-old Mattie, farm girl-turned-waitress at a hotel in the Adirondacks, this tale—based on an actual event in 1906—unravels the terrible mystery surrounding a young woman’s death. Davis skillfully recreates the rural locale and period and gives depth to the characters, including the hapless victim, heard only through the words of her increasingly frightened letters.

Suggested for ages 14 and up
Subjects: Women

A PACK OF LIES [AUDIOBOOK]
by Geraldine McCaughrean
narrated by Andrew Sachs
Chivers Children's Audio;ISBN: 1405650664;$49.95;2005

This jumble of stories, as improbably assorted as the contents of the antique shop in which they are recounted, gives new meaning to the term “provenance." From adventure on the high seas to murder in a manor house, the mysterious MCC Berkshire invents stories for each item that catches the eye of a customer, and narrator Sachs matches him, inventing voice after voice for each vividly imagined character. (Ten to Fourteen)

Suggested for ages 10 - 14

A SINGLE SHARD AUDIO BOOK
by Linda Sue Park
narrated by Graeme Malcolm
Listening Library;ISBN: 0807207012;$25;2002

Park's Newbery Award-winning story of orphan Tree-ear's triumph over adversity in 12th-century Korea is perfect for telling aloud. Malcolm's British accent lends the necessary formality to this medieval tale that follows people and pottery to a satisfying conclusion.

Suggested for ages 10 - 14
Subjects: Korea | Pottery

A STEP FROM HEAVEN AUDIO BOOK
by  An Na
narrated by Jina Oh
Listening Library;ISBN: 0807207217;$25;2002

Listeners gain new insights into the struggles of Korean immigrants Young Ju and her family in a poignant story of pain, bewilderment, and survival, well realized through this quiet reading.

Suggested for ages 14 and up
Subjects: Korean Americans

ABHORSEN [AUDIOBOOK]
by Garth Nix
narrated by Tim Curry
Listening Library;ISBN: 0807205605;$46;2003

Curry continues his brilliant portrayal of Nix’s high fantasy world and his thoughtful exploration of sacrifice, friendship, and war in this explosive conclusion to the trilogy beginning with Sabriel and Lirael. As Lirael and Sameth race to save their world from the forces of evil, Curry’s skillful reading makes palpable the inherent tension of the story.

Suggested for ages 14 and up