Soar by Joan Bauer

Soar

Baseball dreams take flight in this uplifting underdog story

Written byJoan Bauer
Narrated byMichael Crouch
Length5h35m
Release dateJanuary 5, 2016
LanguageEnglish
★★★★☆ 4.6 (2 ratings)

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Quick Facts

AuthorJoan Bauer
NarratorMichael Crouch
Runtime5h35m
PublishedJanuary 5, 2016
Rating★★★★☆ 4.6 / 5 (2 ratings)
CategoriesChildren's Audiobooks, Growing Up & Facts of Life, Social & Life Skills, Literature & Fiction, Family Life, Sports Fiction
FormatAudiobook (Digital)
PlatformAudible

About This Audiobook

Joan Bauer’s *Soar* isn’t just a baseball story—it’s a heartfelt lesson in resilience disguised as a game-day drama. Jeremiah, a foster kid with a larger-than-life personality, lands in Hillcrest, Ohio, where he’s determined to turn the town’s failing baseball team into winners, even though he’s never played a game in his life. Bauer’s knack for blending humor and heartache shines here, crafting a protagonist who’s equal parts scrappy and soulful. The audiobook’s charm lies in its authenticity: Jeremiah’s voice crackles with optimism, but Bauer never lets us forget the weight of his past. It’s a story about second chances, and Bauer delivers it with the same warmth as a summer afternoon at the ballpark.

What makes *Soar* stand out is its refusal to sugarcoat life’s hard knocks. Hillcrest’s baseball team isn’t just bad—it’s a metaphor for the town itself, battered by economic struggles and dashed dreams. Jeremiah’s mission isn’t just about winning games; it’s about proving that grit and heart matter more than talent. Michael Crouch’s narration is the secret weapon here, turning Bauer’s witty, conversational prose into an immersive experience. His Jeremiah sounds like the kid you’d root for in the bleachers—full of fire, but never cloying. The pacing is tight, the production crisp, and the emotional beats land with surprising force.

Tags: children's audiobook about baseball and resiliencefamily-friendly inspirational storymiddle grade audiobook with heartMichael Crouch narration performanceJewish protagonist audiobook

Why Listen to Soar?

  • Expert narration by Michael Crouch brings every character and scene to life across 5h35m of immersive audio.
  • Highly rated at 4.6 stars by 2 listeners.
  • Free with your Audible trial — keep the audiobook forever even if you cancel.
  • Perfect for commutes, workouts, and relaxation. Listen anywhere, anytime.
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Editor's Review ★★★★☆

AudioBook Atlas

Michael Crouch’s performance is the reason I’ll be recommending *Soar* to every young reader who needs a hero they can believe in. His Jeremiah isn’t just a voice—he’s a living, breathing force of nature, his enthusiasm infectious even when the stakes feel impossibly high. Crouch nails the balance between humor and pathos, whether he’s delivering Bauer’s sharp one-liners or whispering a quiet moment of vulnerability. The production quality is top-notch, with just enough ambient sound—crowd cheers, bat cracks—to make the baseball scenes pulse with energy without ever feeling gimmicky. That said, the story’s emotional stakes don’t always feel as deep as they could. Jeremiah’s backstory is compelling but breezy, and some of the town’s residents (like the coach) verge on caricature. Bauer’s strength is in her warmth, not her grit, so don’t expect the raw intensity of a *Friday Night Lights*-style underdog tale. Still, the audiobook’s heart is undeniable. By the final inning, I was grinning like I’d just watched a walk-off homer—because that’s exactly what *Soar* delivers: a win wrapped in life lessons and pure, unapologetic joy.

Download: Soar

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Soar by Joan Bauer is an immersive listening experience. Performed by Michael Crouch with a runtime of 5h35m, you can start with a free trial that you can cancel at any time. The audiobook remains yours forever, even if you end the trial.