Audiobooks Narrated by Thom Rivera

You Can't Say That!: Writers for Young People Talk about Censorship, Free Expression, and the Storie

What happens when freedom of expression comes under threat? In frank and wide-ranging interviews, historian and critic Leonard S. Marcus probes the experience of thirteen leading authors of books for young people. A powerful photo essay on transgender teens is called anti-religious and anti-family. A meticulously researched primer on sex education stirs up accusations of pornography and child abuse. Picture books about two mommies (or two penguin daddies) set off a hue and cry. Two hugely popular children’s series run afoul of would-be censors, one for its scatological humor, the other because it’s deemed too scary. Kids’ books that touch on race, sex, LGBTQ matters, the occult, “coarse language,” and more have found themselves under the scrutiny of those who challenge First Amendment rights. Tune in as thirteen top children’s and young adult authors speak out about what it’s like to have your work banned or challenged in America today. Prompted by Leonard S. Marcus’s insightful questions, they discuss why their books have faced censorship—both blatant and “soft”—how the challenges have or haven’t affected their writing, and why some people feel they have the right to deny access to books. In addition, Leonard S. Marcus puts First Amendment challenges in a historical context and takes a promising look at the vibrant support network that has risen up to protect and defend young people’s rights. Authors interviewed include: Matt de la Peña Robie H. Harris Susan Kuklin David Levithan Meg Medina Lesléa Newman Katherine Patterson Dav Pilkey Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell Sonya Sones R. L. Stine Angie Thomas.

Leonard S. Marcus (editor) (Author), Arthur Morey, Janet Metzger, Roxanne Hernandez, Susan Dalian, Thom Rivera, Tom Parks (Narrator)

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The Dummy Meets the Mummy!

After being put back to sleep and abandoned in an old museum, Slappy is brought to life by a curious girl on a school trip. Out for revenge, Slappy uses his powers to raise an army of creatures from the exhibits. But when the museum closes, Slappy and his new friends are locked inside with Arragatis, an ancient mummy with his own plan for revenge. It's dummy versus mummy as Slappy faces his most dangerous and frightening opponent yet! Can Slappy defeat this ancient adversary? Or will it be a wrap for this dummy?

R. L. Stine, R.L. Stine (Author), Jay Aaseng, Joe Fria, Rachel Jacobs, Thom Rivera (Narrator)

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Good Night, Mr. Panda

Bestselling Mr. Panda is back with bedtime fun for everyone! It is time for bed and Mr. Panda reminds his friends Hippopotamus, Skunk, Sheep, and Sloth that they each have forgotten to do something. Skunk has forgotten to take a bath, Hippopotamus needs to brush his teeth, Sloth is too tired to move, and much more. Mr. Panda is there to remind them of the steps they've missed. As Lemur eventually finds out, however, even Mr. Panda can make a bedtime mistake! Steve Antony combines the ever-popular bedtime theme with the humor and fun that only Mr. Panda can bring.

Steve Antony (Author), Em Eldridge, Ramón De Ocampo, Robertson Dean, Sebastian D'amico, Sophie Amoss, Thom Rivera (Narrator)

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Miguel's Brave Knight: Young Cervantes and His Dream of Don Quixote

This fictionalized first-person biography-in-verse of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra follows the early years of the child who grew up to pen Don Quixote, the first modern novel. The son of a gambling, vagabond barber-surgeon, Miguel looks to his own imagination for an escape from his family's troubles and finds comfort in his colorful daydreams. At a time when access to books was limited and imaginative books were considered evil, Miguel is inspired by storytellers and wandering actors who perform during festivals. He longs to tell stories of his own. When he is nineteen, four of his poems are published, launching the career of one of the greatest writers in the Spanish language.

Margarita Engle (Author), Thom Rivera (Narrator)

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The Lightning Queen

A stunningly rendered mystical novel, set in the remote mountains of Mexico in the 1950s, illuminates the power of an unlikely friendship that blends cultures, magic, and possibilities. Nothing exciting happens on the Hill of Dust, in the remote mountains of Mexico in the 1950s. There's no electricity, no plumbing, no cars, just day after day of pasturing goats. And now, without his sister and mother, eleven-year-old Teo's life feels even more barren. And then one day, the mysterious young Esma, who calls herself the Gypsy Queen of Lightning, rolls into town like a fresh burst of color. Against all odds, her caravan's Mistress of Destiny predicts that Teo and Esma will be longtime friends. Suddenly, life brims with possibility. With the help of a rescued duck, a three-legged skunk, a blind goat, and other unexpected allies, Teo and Esma must overcome obstacles--even death--to fulfill their impossible destiny. Inspired by true stories derived from rural Mexico, The Lightning Queen offers a glimpse of the encounter between two fascinating but marginalized cultures--the Rom and the Mixtec Indians--while telling the heartwarming story of an unlikely friendship.

Laura Resau (Author), Christian Barillas, Thom Rivera (Narrator)

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