Growing Up

I started listening to *Growing Up* with low expectations—another school-year drama with a predictable moral at the end. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Ellen Grafton’s narration hooked me within the first five minutes. Her delivery of Rachel’s internal monologues, especially the moments of frustration and longing, felt raw and immediate. There were lines where she made me pause playback just to savor how perfectly she embodied Rachel’s voice, which is no small feat for a child protagonist in an audiobook. The story itself sneaks up on you. Brunstetter doesn’t rush to tie up loose ends; instead, she lets the quiet victories—like Rachel’s growing confidence or her reluctant acceptance of responsibility—hang in the air longer than you’d expect. My only critique? The audiobook clocks in at under three and a half hours, which feels almost *too* brief. I found myself wishing for just a few more scenes to deepen the emotional payoff. The production is crisp, with no distracting background noise, and Grafton’s pacing keeps the story moving without ever feeling rushed. If you’re looking for a children’s audiobook that balances heart, humor, and a touch of faith without ever feeling preachy, this one’s a gem. It’s the kind of story that lingers long after the last chapter ends.