Let's Discuss: Middle Grade Audio Books

 

I started listening to audio books when I had an hour commute one way and I've love them ever since. I'm also one of those lucky people who can multitask really well. Depending on the project I'm working on I can listen to audiobooks while working and finish a shorter book in one day. 

This year I decided I wanted to listen to more audiobooks while working and I started going through the Project Lit 2024 list and I realized that Middle Grade books are without a doubt some of my favorite books to listen to and I wish they got more love. I'll have a review for it soon, but I recently finished listening to Simon Sort of Says by Erin Bow and despite the serious subject matter, I found myself laughing out loud in the first chapter. I have never hear an audiobook reader (in this case Will Collyer) of a Middle Grade book who didn't embody the full character of a 12 year old in a way that wasn't a half step from award worthy. 

First, I want to say, everyone has their preferences for what they like. Certain genre's, certain plot points, certain tropes, and I'm here for it. As they say on the Reading Glasses Podcast, your wheelhouse. And it might be because I'm a youth librarian, but I can't for the life of me understand why more people don't love Middle Grade audiobooks, like, readers who aren't youth librarians or school librarians. You all are missing out!

For those who don't know Simon Sort of Says has a very serious and tragic backstory. The book starts with the character of Simon and his family in a new town with no internet or TV and Simon hopes that no one learns about what happened at his old school, and to his old friends. Through the book Simon makes friends and tries to get back to normal. The book is written for a younger audience but every time I read a Middle Grade book, I learn something new about life, history, myself, interactions, managing anxiety, so many things. They can be an approachable gateway to topics and I think that they are really slept on. Too often we stick things  in boxes, this is for children, this is for tweens, this is for people who children or tweens, and I think we accidently close ourselves off to really lovely literary experiences. 

All of that being said, I know that not everyone is an audiobook person, and not everyone is a middle grade person but for those who are willing to give it a try, I really think it's worth it. Middle Grade and picture books often seem to be treated as "lesser" in a way that YA isn't and as a book professional I get it. But as a lover, supporter, and uplifter of all books, I think people are missing out on something great! If you already listen to Middle Grade audiobooks or plan to listen to Middle Grade audiobooks, let me know!