I love audiobooks and I enjoy having the eBook or print version of the story in front of me while listening to the audio. It just works for me! I find that my mind occasionally wanders if I’m only listening to the audio and having the eBook or print version of it helps me to focus. I also have noticed that I tend to read too quickly if I’m just reading an eBook or print version. Whether you’re a fan of audiobooks or have never tried them before, I hope you’ll give a listen to my audiobook recommendations that you can access at home using Hoopla or OverDrive!

Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly
For children in grades 5-8.
OverDrive: Audiobook & eBook
Just as Iris in this story is moved after learning about a whale named Blue 55, listening to the adventure that Iris takes was really heartwarming to me! Iris is the only Deaf kid in her class at school and is struggling with being able to communicate with others there. Her science teacher tells the class about Blue 55 and how he is unable to communicate with other whales since he sings at a different frequency than them. Iris decides to create a song at the same frequency so that Blue 55 can hear it and know that someone else out there understands him. This sets her off on a journey that will end up with her finding a place where she fits in more!

Matilda by Roald Dahl
For children in grades 3-6.
OverDrive: Audiobook & eBook
“Finally allowed to attend school, Matilda faces evil head teacher, The Trunchbull. She finds solace in sweet, surprisingly brave Lavender and perfect Miss Honey. In the end, Matilda and her magical strength win the day and change everything…Kate Winslet's narration makes listeners feel as though they are at Crunchem Hall along with the delightfully British students.” –School Library Journal
Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle
For children in grades 4-6.
Hoopla: Audiobook
OverDrive: Audiobook & eBook
“Federle’s hilarious and heartwarming debut novel follows 13-year-old musical theater–loving Nate Foster on his meticulously choreographed overnight getaway to New York City to audition for E.T.: The Musical…Federle (who has himself worked on Broadway) combines high-stakes drama with slapstick comedy as Nate travels by Greyhound bus—dying cellphone and dollars in hand—determined to get to the audition, conceal his lack of chaperone, and compete in the cutthroat world of child actors and stage parents.” –Publishers Weekly
The Bridge Home by Padma Venkatraman
For children in grades 5-8.
OverDrive: Audiobook & eBook
“Eleven-year-old Viji and her sister Rukku flee an abusive home, resulting in perilous days scrounging for recyclables in the ‘Himalayas of rubbish' with two boys their own age. The author provides lilting and captivating narration.” –School Library Journal
Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia
For children in grades 5-8.
Hoopla: eBook
OverDrive: Audiobook & eBook
“Tristan is reluctantly on his way to spend the summer with his grandparents on the family farm. In his pocket he carries the journal of his best friend Eddie, killed in a bus accident. Tristan’s survivor guilt means he hasn’t read the journal, and he is trying very hard to ignore the strange green glow coming from its cover. When Gum Baby, a figure from West African legend, tries to steal the journal, Tristan races to retrieve it, breaking a bottle on his grandmother’s bottle tree and falling through a flaming hole into a parallel world.” –School Library Journal