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.
NexusNomad
ListenBook's commitment to providing a high-quality audiobook experience is truly commendable. ListenBook's user-friendly audio filters and controls have made my audiobook sessions more interactive and engaging. With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines β it's pure bliss. The statistics feature is brilliant. I love seeing how much time I spend on audiobooks with ListenBook.
Mud Pie Man
ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats ensures that I can enjoy a wide range of content hassle-free. ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience.
2nd Hand Joe
Kudos to ListenBook for optimizing the app for iOS 16 β it shows their dedication to excellence. The app's compatibility with various sources for audio download is a true time-saver. Tone adjustment adds a unique touch to my listening experience. I'm hooked!
Flint
The diverse range of narrators adds a new layer of depth to each story. The ability to adjust the tone of the narrator's voice is a creative touch that adds depth to my listening. Auto-rewind is a brilliant feature. Never lose track of where I left off. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itβs a fun feature.
The Howling Swede
Audiobook pleasure at its finest! This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and delightful. ππ ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers is incredibly convenient. Downloading audiobooks has never been this easy. I'm amazed by the attention to detail, from automatic metadata extraction to customizable settings.
Juno Cream
Audiobook enthusiasts, gather around! This app's exceptional features, from audio filters to robust support, have transformed my daily routines into storytelling moments. ππ§ The adjustable playback speed is a revelation. It's like having a personal audiobook narrator at my pace. Auto-rewind is a very handy feature. Excellent app. ListenBookβs playback is silky-smooth. The app is packed with useful features. This was a competent audiobook production with no major flaws. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough and the audio quality was acceptable, though not exceptional. While the performance didn't particularly stand out, it served its purpose adequately for my daily commute.
RedFisher
ListenBook has given me the gift of time β turning daily tasks into moments of inspiration. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Vixen
Thanks to this app, listening to audiobooks has become a delightful habit. My long walks have turned into exciting adventures with this app. Savoring captivating stories has become a breeze with this app's sleek design and convenient features. It's like having a personal reading assistant! π±π ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. It's my go-to app for literary adventures. I love the variety of themes available. It makes the app feel personalized.
Mule Lock
ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a social audiophile's dream. Audiobooks have never been this immersive β this app transports me to different worlds. Configurable auto-rewind is genius. No more confusion when I pause and resume. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. I can group related titles for easy access.
Cupid Dust
This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks hassle-free. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique touch β it's like having a personalized reading. The app is perfect for long walks. It keeps me company the whole time.
Gabriel Dandelion
ListenBook's looping playback, shuffle feature, and configurable controls make learning a breeze. ListenBook has turned my daily routines into audiobook-driven journeys of imagination. This app has transformed my daily commute into a captivating journey of knowledge and entertainment. AirDrop sharing is a very convenient feature. Thanks, ListenBook! Playback speed and volume controls are top-notch. Highly recommend.
Voluntary
The convenience of having an entire library at my fingertips is a dream come true. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my life so much easier. Who needs traditional books when you have this app? It's a game-changer. Effortlessly exploring audiobook worlds β this app's functionality is genius. Listening stats motivate me to read more. Great feature!
TulipCake
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration is a brilliant touch. Perfect for listening to educational content. Highly recommend!
Miss Mustard
No more straining my eyes to read β now I can simply immerse myself in storytelling. The features on this app, from bookmarks to playback speed, cater to all preferences. The app is perfect for people with visual impairments. Itβs so easy to navigate.
NecroBull
Kudos to the app for making literature accessible to those with busy schedules. This app's convenience has turned my exercise sessions into enlightening moments.
Biscuit Meg
The app's features, like the sleep timer, make it clear that it's designed with readers in mind. The ListenBook app is a fantastic companion for my long walks, helping me learn and explore at the same time. π‘ Balancing learning and living effortlessly β audiobooks on demand, thanks to this app! π§π« πΆββοΈπ Staying entertained during leisurely walks β audiobooks make outdoor time delightful! πΆββοΈπ§ ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily routine, becoming an indispensable companion for various activities. Its user-friendly interface, features, and performance make it a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts.
Proper
The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a treasure trove of knowledge and entertainment. Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's functionality is a game-changer. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun and interactive way to bond over stories. Easy sharing with friends via AirDrop. Very convenient. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
Moxie
Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to spread the joy of storytelling. A fun feature! ListenBook has made managing my audiobook collection a breeze. Library organization is top-notch. Easy sharing with friends via AirDrop. Very convenient. Downloading audiobooks over WiFi is super easy. Saves time. 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!
Coma Stalk
I can now explore books beyond my preferred genre, broadening my reading horizons. With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. This app has made me realize that there's always time for a good book. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Firedog
I love how ListenBook caters to various formats, making it versatile and accommodating for all my audiobooks. ListenBook has become my trusted companion, making even the busiest days enjoyable. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
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