Recently, I was made aware that one of my favorite voice actresses had narrated a great middle grade series - The Keepers by Lian Tanner. I quickly grabbed a copy of the first audiobook, The Museum of Thieves. This was an addicting listen - I'm guilty of sitting in my car longer than necessary, just to squeeze in a few more minutes.
Museum of Thieves is a great middle grade pick in the line of The Grimm Legacy by Polly Shulman or The Sixty-Eight Rooms by Marianne Malone - magic and mystery abound at quite a fast pace. The cast of characters is vast but memorable, and made more memorable by the distinctive voices used by Claudia Black.
We are introduced to the city of Jewel, and to Goldie, a 12-year-old girl who wants nothing more than to finally be Separated. Children in Jewel are vastly overprotected, literally always attached to an adult or their bed via a chain tied to their wrists.
Jewel is a city that has resolutely pushed every dangerous thing away. Dogs might bite. Standing water might carry the plague. Children alone might get carried off by pirates. Little by little, Jewel has conquered their little corner of the world. But wildness will not be tossed aside so easily. In the tiny Museum of Dunt live all the wild forces that Jewel refuses to believe still exist. Most of all, inside the Museum is magic.
As Goldie learns about the Museum and the uses of wildness, she also learns of a truly terrible plan to destroy Jewel. Only the Keepers of the Museum can save the city - but only if the terrified citizens of Jewel will let them.
A very compelling book to listen to, with characters that leap out of the speakers. Black draws out characters both lovable and despicable - keep an ear out for Guardian Hope and Keeper Sinew, whose tones are unmistakable.
This a great listen for a family car trip. It's got action, adventure, and mystery, and has lots of great opportunities for discussion among family members. Random House has a site for The Keepers Trilogy with games, character bios, and even lessons from the Keepers! This is definitely one of my favorite Middle Grade audiobooks lately.
-- Stephanie, Youth Services Librarian
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