This book’s authors argue for the increased use of audiobooks as student reading material and for the integration of audiobooks into curricula for students of all ages. To this end, they “introduce some of the research linking audiobook listening and literacy development and equip readers with many titles, standards, and instructional activities to facilitate the use of audiobooks in classrooms, libraries and homes” (2).

After a brief summary of research supporting audiobooks as tools for literacy development, the book’s focus turns to learning standards and the audiobooks’ ability to complement instruction. Connecting audiobook themes to elements of the curriculum means that “all good stories and information resources can be enhanced with listening experiences that become learning experiences” (17). National, state, and local curricula are cited here, providing support for using audiobooks for learning.

The next chapters divide the grade levels into four groups (grades K–2, 3–5, 6–8, and 9–12) and provide age-appropriate examples of audiobook titles, covering their themes and their connections with curricular instructional objectives. The authors provide brief summaries of talking books, curriculum tie-ins, and information about specific standards. For example, a title about dealing with bullying is linked to a health curriculum: “Students will learn strategies to reduce and prevent violence and implement peaceful resolution of conflicts” (110). Others are linked to math, science, social science, history, and English.

A chapter titled “Connecting it all” offers ideas to support audiobooks in classrooms and libraries and at home. Unfortunately, these suggestions are too brief and include rather generic ideas such as group discussions, response journals, compare-and-contrast exercises, and so forth. These ideas might help one get started, but too many details are left to readers. The book ends with an unnecessary account of the technological developments that have brought us to the listening experience we know today, followed by very brief advice on acquisitions.

This work is a useful collection development resource for both school and public libraries, as well as for anyone interested in recommended “listening.” The authors include many “notable” lists by subject (such as Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students, K-12) and a list of print award-winning books that are also available in audio format. Peppered throughout are “testimonials” from librarians, authors, and audiobook narrators about the magic of audiobooks; these reinforce for readers the real-life benefits of “listening to learn.”