Miss Vardon's Audible Recommendations

The Crossover

Written By: Kwame Alexander

Josh and JB are basketball legends at their school. They also happen to be identical twins, but it’s easy to tell them apart if you know how to look.

As the boys build up to one of the most important matches of their lives, tensions grow between them and things at home and at school also add to the pressure. The only time they feel truly themselves is on the court. But is basketball enough to help them navigate the tricky transition to young adulthood when they have a major falling-out and it seems that Dad is hiding something?

Although it reads like a novel, the twins’ story is told through poetry in many different forms from rap to haiku and free verse. If any book is likely to turn sports fans into book fans or convince readers that poetry is cool, this is it.

Kid Normal

Written By: Greg James, Chris Smith

Murph has moved to another new school, but there's something different about this one. It's top secret, and all its students have an extraordinary skill. As Murph makes new friends, he discovers he can be a hero, even if he's just a "normal" kid.

This particular version is read by the radio presenters and writers themselves.

Anne of Green Gables

Written By: Lucy Maud Montgomery

When ageing brother and sister Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert decide to adopt an orphan boy to help with chores around their farm, Green Gables on Prince Edward Island, neither is prepared for the feisty and imaginative redheaded girl who is mistakenly brought to them instead. Nor are they prepared for the way in which she will change their lives. Through a series of hilarious misadventures, Anne's uncompromising spirit makes her a striking presence in the close-knit village, bringing new friendships, first crushes, and, for her foster parents, a love and openness unimaginable before her arrival.

This particular version is read by Hollywood actress, Rachel McAdams.