cover image The Mighty Miss Malone

The Mighty Miss Malone

Christopher Paul Curtis, read by Bahni Turpin. Listening Library, unabridged, seven CDs, 8 hrs., $44 ISBN 978-0-307-96822-7

In Depression-era Indiana, Deza Malone’s opportunities are slim despite her potential. She’s got the smarts, the determination, and the attitude, but her family lacks the resources to help her grow to her full potential—and things only become worse when her father needs to leave for Michigan to find work. Narrator Bahni Turpin’s exuberant performance and raspy voice make this an enjoyable and lively audio edition. Deftly rendering Deza, Turpin produces an impressive range of emotions for the young protagonist as she confronts challenges. For male characters, the narrator lowers her voice a few octaves, creating spot-on voices and an audiobook guaranteed to appeal to young listeners. Ages 10–14. A Wendy Lamb hardcover. (Jan.)