I love a good audio book. They are pretty fantastic. And when it comes to good audio books for early elementary school kids to listen to—I have a few favorites. I think my all-time favorite narration for early elementary school kids to listen to is The Terrible Two by Mac Barnett and Jory John.
And if you haven’t listened to that one, you should. It is fantastic. (And it is available to listen to on Book on CD and as a Digital Audio Book through Libby.) But this great book got me thinking. There are a lot of other good audio books to listen to for early elementary school-aged kids. And here are five of my favorites for those kids who want a good audio that acknowledges just how crazy being a kid (and going to school) might be. All of these books can be found on our digital library app Libby by Overdrive. Happy listening!
By Nicole D. Collier
Narrated by Imani Parks
Clarion Books, 2022. Duration: 05:20:33
Jillian is a smart girl who is also very shy. When she purposely loses a school competition due to wanting to blend in and stay quiet, she knows she is not living up to the potential her recently-deceased grandmother would have wanted her to live up to. Jillian has to figure out how she can speak up and show everyone who she truly is.
By Emma Otheguy
Narrated by Carla Corvo
Books on Tape, 2022. Duration: 06:40:45
Sofía Acosta loves dreaming up ballet costumes for her talented ballet family (parents and siblings); however, she is not very good at dancing herself…which is what her family all expect and want her to do. Sofía must figure out how she can figure out what is most important to her and how to juggle the expectations of her family.
By Jason Reynolds
Narrated By: Guy Lockard, Nile Bullock, Angel Pean, James Fouhey, Soneela Nankani, Leon Nixon, Chanté McCormick, Lamarr Gulley, DePre Owens
Simon & Schuster Audio, 2021. Duration: 02:47:33
Portico Reeves has a superpower—making sure that all other superheroes stay super. When his friend faces a bully, Portico steps in. When his parents are arguing, Portico distracts them. Portico is a kid that is not afraid to face reality and step things up in order to make sure everyone around him are safe and happy. Also, this is an Odyssey Award winner—so you know this will be a great audio book!
By Gordon Korman
Narrated By: Andrew J. Anderson, André Santana, Matt Braver, Jeremy Carlisle Parker, Adam Verner, Aida Reluzco.
Balzer + Bray, 2023. Duration: 06:36:39
Oliver Zahn is the spitball champion of his school—and one of the best rule-wreckers there is. However, when the new teacher Mr. Aidact comes, he is exceedingly fast at stopping the spitballs and figuring out just who is doing what rule-wrecking. Oliver is on a mission (with a reluctant best friend named Nathan) to see if they can figure out just why Mr. Aidact is the way he is.
By Renée Watson
Illustrated By Nina Mata
Narrated By Sisi Aisha Johnson
Bloomsbury Publishing, 2020. Duration: 02:52:09
Ryan Hart is a girl who is all heart. And her first name means “king”, so she has a lot to live up to. When things start to get tricky—their family is moving and there is a fourth grade talent show coming up—Ryan has to figure out how to move forward and to live up to her name.
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