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.
Pixie
Audiobooks have made my long commutes enjoyable, and I'm always eager to see what's next. This app has made long flights and road trips so much more enjoyable.
Delicious
This app has transformed my daily walks into exciting literary adventures. I love that ListenBook Pro allows me to customize the tone of the sound – it adds a personal touch. ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that my audiobook collection is always accessible. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature for those who enjoy organized and structured listening. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
Prof. Smirk
With its powerful audio downloading features, I can have my favorite audiobooks ready to go, anytime and anywhere. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. It’s a unique feature.
Diamond Gamer
This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it the perfect companion for any audiobook lover. I'm hooked on this app's effortless integration with my daily activities. I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into every nook and cranny of my day. ListenBook's commitment to a seamless user experience is evident in its sleek design and intuitive controls. Library organization is simplified with ListenBook. It's easy to keep my audiobooks neat and tidy.
Light Despair
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch has made my listening experience even more seamless. Audiobooks have become my bedtime companions, soothing me into a peaceful sleep. I'm amazed by how this app effortlessly turns my daily routines into enjoyable learning sessions. Savoring audiobooks without complications – this app's design is top-notch. No more hassle with file conversion. This app handles all formats effortlessly.
Troubled Pie
Automated metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is so organized now. ListenBook has breathed new life into my audiobook collection. I can't imagine using anything else.
Glyph
Audiobooks have never been this accessible – this app is a true innovation. ⏰ Early mornings have become my favorite time to listen to audiobooks – energizing! 🌅🎧 Audiobooks have become my constant companions, and this app's seamless functionality and diverse compatibility ensure that every tale is a captivating journey. 🌌🎧
Energy
I appreciate how ListenBook offers various methods for downloading audio – it caters to different preferences. 📚 Ironing has become a joy with audiobooks – wrinkles are no match for these captivating stories! 👗🎧 Looping playback helps me retain knowledge from audiobooks effectively. It's an invaluable tool. The ability to organize my library is a huge plus. Everything is so neat and tidy.
B@d B0y
Precise controls on ListenBook give me complete command over my audio playback. 💡 Balancing learning and living effortlessly – audiobooks on demand, thanks to this app! 🎧💫 ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like my personal audiobook oasis.
BloodEater
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Voodoo Queen
ListenBook's support for multiple download methods ensures I can always access my favorite content. ListenBook Pro offers amazing value with unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction features. ListenBook Pro offers an unbeatable deal – unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction. I can't get enough of the binaural audio processing. It's like a breath of fresh air for my ears. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to inspire others to read.
RiddleRover
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Dr. Jam Man
I'm grateful for this app's ability to fit seamlessly into my lifestyle, making learning a part of my day. The app's performance is exceptional, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted audiobook experience. It's clear that it's designed with audiobook enthusiasts in mind. Easy sharing with friends via AirDrop. Very convenient.
RealmRanger
🎙️ This app's user-friendly interface has transformed my daily walks into immersive storytelling sessions. Kudos to the developers! 🚶♀️📖 The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
Marine Dre
I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend! I’ve been using ListenBook for months, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesn’t drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Voodoo Queen
The narrators have a way of bringing characters to life – it's a unique experience. The app is lightweight and doesn’t drain my battery. The app is perfect for road trips. It keeps me entertained for hours.
Gunhawk
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Copilot
This app has turned my long walks into delightful literary adventures. Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's functionality is a game-changer. CUE playlist support is a brilliant feature that allows me to create customized listening experiences for different moods, activities, and moments of the day.
Woodland Beauty
Looping playback has revolutionized my study sessions. I'm learning faster than ever. The app's compatibility with CarPlay enhances my driving experience. Audiobooks on the road have never been better.
Delicious
🎙️ Grocery shopping has taken an exciting turn – I'm on a mission to explore new worlds through audiobooks! 🛒📚 🏃♀️🌟 Experiencing stories while staying active – this app's functionality enhances my walks and runs like never before. 🎧🏞️
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