When children are young, it’s easy to see the benefit in parents reading out loud to their child. Children who are read to have better vocabularies, stronger reading skills and healthy social/emotional development. But why stop there?!
Older children can still benefit from listening to a story read out loud, whether that reader is a parent, educator or narrator. Listening to a story develops their comprehension skills, allows them to connect with other listeners by having a shared experience, and provides a model for how to be an effective narrator. And science backs up this idea, with recent research showing similar brain stimulation regardless of how a book was enjoyed.
How and why do students listen? Some like to listen to a book while they draw or play. Others work on their reading skills, following along with a print copy of whatever audiobook they are reading. Additionally, many families enjoy sharing a story together while they commute or travel.
So keep reading for some of our favorite books to listen to for upper elementary through middle school. Click on the covers to go to our catalog and place a hold. Want even more options? Be sure to use Library2Go (Libby) or CloudLibrary to download more kid and teen audiobooks!
And be sure to check out Isaac’s posts about podcasts for this age group!
ANIMAL TALES
E Copy – Libby
E Copy – Cloud
On CD
Bat’s mom, a vet, brings home a baby skunk who needs care.
Can an energetic dog and an evil genius guinea pig live in the same house?
A lonely gorilla in captivity finds a new purpose when a baby elephant is added to the show.
E Copy – Libby
E Copy – Cloud
On CD
A young wolf embarks on an adventure when tragedy strikes his family.
ADVENTURE
E Copy – Libby
E Copy – Cloud
On CD
An incurable disease, a village of rules, and a girl determined to change it all.
A mountain full of dangerous creatures and a very small and mighty human who cares for them…what could go wrong?!
Grieving and confused, Tristan finds himself on an epic journey after a talking Gum Baby steals his book.
E Copy – Libby
E Copy – Cloud
On CD
A robot awakens on an island of wild creatures and tries to find its purpose.
HISTORY
E Copy – Libby
E Copy – Cloud
On CD
Neglected and abused, a young girl begins a new life in the country during WWII.
A team of four move through history to photograph some of the most important events and not get caught!
A decades old mystery and two kids determined to uncover it shows it’s never too late to tell the truth.
Three refugees in three different time periods find that their stories while unique are connected.
LIKE REAL LIFE
E Copy – Libby
E Copy – Cloud
On CD
After her mother’s death, a young girl and her dad hit the road in the bus they now call home.
A young Syrian refugee starts a new life in America after a sudden and surprise move.
E Copy – Libby
E Copy – Cloud
On CD
With only 10 other students in her class, a new student just wants to find a way to fit it where everyone stands out.
E Copy – Libby
E Copy – Cloud
On CD
Six students, each struggling in their own way, find friendship and strength in their weekly meet ups.
FUNNY STUFF
E Copy – Libby
E Copy – Cloud
On CD
A classroom where both the students and the teacher has a bad attitude…wonder what could happen?
After her parents’ divorce, a girl decides to go on strike (by refusing to leave her treehouse) until they figure how to share her.
Completely absurd and hilarious, two kids have created a ridiculous treehouse where they attempt to write their story.
E Copy – Libby
E Copy – Cloud
On CD
Part mystery, part magic, all fun – in this tale of a young magician hoping to hide and instead being found in the best possible way.
NON-FICTION
E Copy – Libby
E Copy – Cloud
On CD
From Nobel Peace Prize Winner Malala Yousafzai, stories of young people around the world who find themselves as refugees.
For animal lovers, National Geographic Kids brings their chapter book stories to listeners.
E Copy – Libby
E Copy – Cloud
On CD
Short stories about real life girls throughout history who broke barriers and forged new paths.
An exploration of racism and antiracism in American history, written for young people.