PAPERBOY

Lincoln Hoppe’s narration is pure perfection in this story about “Little Man,” an 11-year-old boy with a stutter so severe that he can’t even say his own name. The story, set in 1959 Memphis, is a typewritten memoir of the summer he became a substitute paper carrier—which changed his life. Hoppe brings out Little Man’s endearing vulnerability and portrays the stutter with a tender ease and grace that will make listeners feel empathy and hope for the boy. All of Hoppe’s character voices are natural and true as Little Man’s encounters with his paper customers teach him so many lessons about disability, weakness, and strength. The afterword is read by author, and stutterer, Vince Vawter, making this an extraordinary listening and learning experience. M.M.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award, 2014 Newbery Honor © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2014]