Book description
Leigh Botts is drowning in silence. His lunch bag gets stolen. His dad's gone, just a voice on the phone. Sixth grade feels like a prison. Then he writes a letter. Not to a friend. To Mr. Henshaw. The author he idolizes. The man whose books are his only lifeline. He doesn't expect an answer. He's just trying to make the quiet scream stop.
This isn't just a kids' book. It's a raw, aching scream into the void, perfectly captured in the audiobook. You hear the tremor in Leigh's voice as he writes, the way his throat tightens when he talks about his dad. The narrator doesn't whisper; they embody that lonely kid, that furious, hopeful kid. You don't just read about the stolen lunches, you feel the cold, empty space in his stomach. You hear the frustration when he says, "I'm not a thief. I'm just a kid who's alone."
Beverly Cleary didn't just write stories; she gave kids permission to feel everything they were too scared to say. This is her masterpiece, the one that won the Newbery. And the audiobook? It's the only way to truly feel it. The words aren't just on a page; they're in your ear, sharp and real, like Leigh's own thoughts racing. When Mr. Henshaw finally writes back, it's not a fairy tale. It's a lifeline thrown to a kid who thought he was invisible. You hear the crack in the narrator's voice when Leigh reads it, the first time he feels seen.
It's not pretty. It's messy, like real childhood. The anger, the loneliness, the desperate need for someone to say, "I see you." Cleary nailed it because she knew that feeling. She grew up in Grant Park, Portland, and her characters weren't just characters-they were the kids in the schoolyard, the ones who felt everything too deeply. The fact that 91 million copies exist? That's not just sales. That's millions of kids whispering, "Me too," into their own silence.
This audiobook doesn't just tell you about Leigh's journey. It makes you live it. You're right there with him, writing that letter, holding your breath for the reply. You feel the weight of the absence, the sting of the stolen lunch, the fragile, terrifying hope when the envelope arrives. It's why Cleary won the National Book Award and the Newbery. Not for perfect stories, but for stories that hurt and heal exactly as real life does. You'll hear it in your own voice later, that quiet moment when you remember feeling utterly alone, and then-just like Leigh-someone finally spoke back. That's the power in this voice. That's why it's still shaking kids loose from their silence, 70 years later. Don't just read it. Let it hit you, loud and clear, in your ear.
Easy Street
I've become a more empathetic listener thanks to the emotional depth of audiobooks. I've never been so entertained while doing household chores β this app is a lifesaver! ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for personal growth.
Tabasco Dracula
This app has brought the magic of books back into my life. βοΈ This app's functionality is a symphony of efficiency β I'm savoring stories with ease, even on the busiest days. πΆπ
Cougar Fuzz
I love how this app seamlessly integrates into my busy schedule, making multitasking a breeze. With this app, I've discovered the joy of learning while I'm on the move β it's like having a tutor by my side. This app has turned my mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for reading. π± My secret to staying well-read β this app ensures that I'm never without a book, no matter where I am! ππ±
Shivers
ListenBook's innovative features, from audio filters to statistics, make it a standout app. π± A world of books at my fingertips β this app's user-friendly design makes it a true reading companion. ππ± π Unleashing the power of audiobooks with this user-friendly app β it's like having a personal storyteller on demand! ππ₯ Adjustable playback speed is my secret weapon for covering more material in less time. A productivity boost!
Raggedy Ann
Tone adjustment is such a unique feature. It's like customizing the narrator's voice. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to connect with fellow book lovers. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances the audio quality to an impressive degree.
Alias Stick
This app's user-friendly interface has made audiobook listening a breeze, even for a tech novice like me. βοΈ Turning mundane tasks into exciting adventures β this app makes folding laundry a breeze with audiobooks! ππ§ Effortlessly exploring audiobook worlds β this app's functionality is genius. Kudos to the developers for making this app iOS 16 optimized. It runs like a dream! ListenBookβs playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
LyRz
The family subscription option is a money-saver β everyone gets to enjoy their favorite books. Listening to audiobooks while gardening has made my outdoor time even more relaxing. This app has transformed my screen time into valuable learning and entertainment. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fun way to personalize the listening experience. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of storytelling with friends.
Chicago Blackout
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Jade Fox
ListenBook has transformed my daily rituals into cherished opportunities for personal growth. With this app, I can enjoy my favorite stories while traveling, making my journeys more delightful. π§ Elevating my reading experience β this app's intuitive controls and organization features make audiobook enjoyment effortless. π±π Auto-rewind feature is very useful. Excellent app!
Bad Beret
ListenBook's extensive statistics feature adds a new level of insight to my audiobook habits. πββοΈπ Running through chapters has never been smoother β the app's streamlined functionality keeps me on track with my reading goals. πββοΈπ§ ListenBookβs playback is silky-smooth. The app is packed with useful features.
Devil Blade
The 'Discover' section is a treasure trove for finding hidden literary gems. This app is my secret weapon for making the most of my free time. This audiobook app is an absolute lifesaver! It brings my favorite stories to life with unparalleled convenience. The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that makes a big difference. It enhances my listening experience.
Electric Player
ListenBook has completely changed my audiobook experience β it's like having a personal audio library. ListenBook's support for various formats ensures that no audiobook is out of reach. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a boon for those who enjoy deep dives into lengthy narratives.
Pexxious
This app has made waiting in lines and queues an opportunity for exploration and enjoyment. π Who needs TV when you have this app? Every moment is a storytelling session! πΊπ§ The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
Paris Boost
I'm in awe of how technology has enhanced my reading experience through this app. Audiobook joy made simple β this app's ease of use is commendable. The app is so responsive. It never lags or freezes.
Tunez
My child has also fallen in love with audiobooks, all thanks to the app's kid-friendly collection. ListenBook's configurable auto-rewind after interruptions is a smart addition that keeps me on track. π Dancing through chores with audiobooks β this app turns cleaning into a lively and literary affair! πΆπ The app's compatibility with Apple Watch elevates my workouts, making them more engaging and productive. ListenBookβs support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily.
Hitch Frenzy
ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. Audiobook immersion simplified β this app's ease of use is a true asset. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Raggedy Ann
I'm addicted to this app β it's like having a library in my pocket. Audiobook enthusiasts, celebrate! This app's thoughtful features, like auto-rewind and easy chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our reading cravings. ππ The download options are versatile, making it a breeze to get my favorite audiobooks on the go. The app's integration with CarPlay enhances my road trips with immersive audiobook journeys. ListenBookβs playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Jade Fox
Language courses on audiobooks helped me pick up a new language effortlessly. This app has turned my daily commute into a source of inspiration and entertainment. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my dictaphone recordings much more comfortable to listen to. πΆπ Setting the mood with stories instead of songs β this app is my go-to playlist! π§π
WittyWordsmith
This app has completely transformed my commute β I look forward to it now! The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
Hemingway Mirmillone
Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends and family. It fosters connections and conversations. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment are excellent additions.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience