Young Adult audiobooks that Appeal to All Ages
This week I have chosen an author of young adult fiction as the focus of Audiobook Author Spotlight. David Almond manages to weave intricate stories with multiple themes into books that appeal too many, regardless of age.
My first experience with David Almond’s writing came as I was looking for a book for my family book discussion group. I happened upon Skellig at the public library and was completely enthralled by the story.
The main character, Michael, moves to a new home just as his sister has become seriously ill. In the new garage, he discovers a dying being. He looks like a tramp, but has some characteristics of an owl. Michael helps him to survive, and in return learns some incredible life lessons.
Audio Book Author David Almond
The book is particularly attractive to me because it tackles amazing subjects about life, death, relationships, and beliefs, all within a tightly woven plot. Is Skellig a human? An owl? An angel? Some combination of them all? If you are looking for a book to share with a child 11-16 or so, this one is a winner.
Kit’s Wilderness is another of Almond’s unique novels. Kit has just moved with his family to live with his grandfather who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. The wilderness is where the coal mines used to be in the mining town. The mining history and a game called Death feature into Kit’s experiences in life and death.
This book is haunting and beautifully written. Parents who wish to open communications with children through literature will surely find this book has plenty to discuss. The Fire Eaters features a boy whose seemingly perfect life begins to crumble as his father becomes ill. With his friends, the boy learns the power of miracles, family, and friendship.
The appealing thing about all of Almond’s books is that he does not write simple stories. These novels have layers of meaning open to all who are willing to look a bit further into the story. His narratives are never condescending and that is one key reason that the stories appeal across the ages. There is no tidy wrapping up of every loose end in his books.
This is why they are such wonderful works for discussion. Spending time speculating after reading that last page is nearly as fun as reading the books.
I highly recommend David Almond’s novels. They appeal to both girls and boys… and to adults as well.
By Dorothy Distefano
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