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The Best School Year Ever Audiobook, by Barbara Robinson Play Audiobook Sample

The Best School Year Ever Audiobook

By: Barbara Robinson
The Best School Year Ever Audiobook, by Barbara Robinson Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: Elaine Stritch Publisher: HarperCollins Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 1.50 hours at 1.5x Speed 1.13 hours at 2.0x Speed Series: The Herdmans Series Release Date: July 2005 Format: Unabridged Audiobook ISBN: 9780060873585
3.02213983050847 out of 53.02213983050847 out of 53.02213983050847 out of 53.02213983050847 out of 53.02213983050847 out of 5 (3.02) - 944 listener ratings
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Quick Stats About this Audiobook

Total Audiobook Chapters:

4

Longest Chapter Length:

42:04 minutes

Shortest Chapter Length:

23:16 minutes

Average Chapter Length:

32:14 minutes

Audiobooks by this Author:

2

Other Audiobooks Written by Barbara Robinson: > View All...

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Audiobook, by Barbara Robinson

Publisher Description

Buckle up for a wild ride involving a missing gerbil, a crazy cat, and a tattooed baby that will have readers of all ages laughing!

This hilarious novel stars the Herdmans, the worst kids in the world, who made their first appearance in author Barbara Robinson's classic The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

In The Best School Year Ever, Imogene, Claude, Ralph, Leroy, Ollie, and Gladys Herdman haven’t changed a bit. They still set things on fire and knock the other kids black and blue.

One day the teachers ask all the students to think of compliments for their classmates, and Beth Bradley picks Imogene Herdman’s name. At first, Beth can’t think of anything good, but soon she begins to see Imogene in a new light.

Maybe behind all of the outrageous pranks, there is something good about the Herdmans?

Download and start listening now!

"I thought this book was a fascinating story. You can really picture everything that is going on in the story. there was so much going on with the Herdmans. The Herdmans are a family that do a lot of bad things. this book is a fun and exciting book! hope you like it!!!!!"

— Rosaleen (4 out of 5 stars)

Quotes

  • “The many readers who have laughed out loud at Robinson’s uproarious 1972 novel, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, will enthusiastically welcome the return of the six cigar-smoking Herdman kids…A broader focus [paves] the way for more varied misadventures, virtually all of which the Herdmans craftily orchestrate.”

    — Publishers Weekly

  • “[The Best School Year Ever will] have children laughing out loud at the Herdmans’ antics and believing that even such remarkably bad kids have some good qualities…Yet Robinson doesn’t just play the Herdmans for laughs. Beth’s identification of Imogene’s strengths gives the book a level of humanity that makes the novel more than a series of humorous anecdotes. Readers can only hope that the Herdmans will not reform—at least not until after a few more sequels. Few characters in children’s fiction are so unredeemed, so uncivilized, and so out-and-out funny.”

    — Booklist

  • “The Herdmans are back in this audio version of Barbara Robinson’s riotous sequel to The Best Christmas Pageant Ever…The vignettes are hilarious. Actress Elaine Stritch’s earthy, worldly, almost boozy voice is perfect for Beth, the narrator. This audiobook is a must-have for school and public library collections. Listeners can only hope that it won’t take another twenty years for the Herdmans to return.”

    — School Library Journal

  • “Elaine Stritch lends her dry voice to this recording of the long-awaited sequel to The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Although clearly not a child’s voice, Stritch’s raspy, sardonic tone suits the story well, giving the sense of a wry, old teacher recounting an exaggerated tale of her own school days. Listeners will enjoy hearing the continuing misadventures of the Herdmans so pluckily recounted.”

    — AudioFile

  • “Not just your average naughty children, the Herdmans occasionally step over the line into juvenile delinquency—but they do it with such panache that the reader cannot help but be impressed. The Herdmans will delight readers of this spirited sequel.”

    — Kirkus Reviews

Awards

  • Winner of the 1997 Rebecca Caudill Young Readers’ Book Award

The Best School Year Ever Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 3.54054054054054 out of 53.54054054054054 out of 53.54054054054054 out of 53.54054054054054 out of 53.54054054054054 out of 5 (3.54)
5 Stars: 10
4 Stars: 10
3 Stars: 10
2 Stars: 4
1 Stars: 3
Narration: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Story: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Write a Review
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Robinson keeps up the easy narrative style that made the first Herdman tale so readable and funny, but the story arc is forced and the individual stories are full of odd contradictions. Fun, but not a patch on Best Christmas Ever. "

    — Kate, 2/4/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " haha. total bunch of laughs. if you have kids or have grown up with a bunch of brothers and sisters....well, pick up a copy! "

    — Rain, 2/1/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Sometimes these brothers and sisters remind me of my sisters. I love how they are crazy and do what they want, but in the end they always do the right thing no matter what =) "

    — Nickcole, 1/23/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " A funny read, for children, but still fun to dapple in as an adult. "

    — Bonnie, 1/9/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I can't resist any book that makes me laugh out loud repeatedly. The irrepressible Herdmans, bane of Woodrow Wilson Elementary School, are irresistible. "

    — Susan, 12/28/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I like "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" better, but this is a cute story about the same characters. "

    — Lynzee, 12/20/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Very funny but we liked "The best Christmas pageant ever" more. We always enjoy reading about the Herdmans and their many shinnanigans. I liked discovering, along with Beth the narrator, that Imogene Herdman was a much deeper character than simply a menace. "

    — Wendi, 12/13/2013
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " I just finished reading a book called, 'The Best School Year Ever'. I didn't care for this story, because everything in this book is about being bad. I don't know why this story couldn't have been more positive, since it is a kid's book. If you get this book, I hope you enjoy it more than I did. "

    — Kaytie, 12/12/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " We listened to it on the way up north, but Disc #1 skipped, so we missed part of the story. It was cute, but didn't really seem to have a point. Nice ending, though. "

    — Alora, 11/15/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Good book, not quite as humorous as The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (in my opinion). "

    — Nancy, 11/14/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I really liked this book in 4th and 5th grade. It's funny, witty, and you can really relate to the all the stuff that's going on when you're a kid. "

    — Joseph, 11/10/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " crazy excitement coming up! "

    — Supercoolcharlie, 11/7/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I liked this book. It was very funny! :) The only thing is the Herdmans(people in the book)are kinda weird. Still read it though it is worth a try! If you didn't know Baraba Robinson is a great author! Her books are always goood!!! "

    — Natalie, 9/20/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This book is not what I was expecting at all!! "

    — Catherine, 8/13/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Another re-read with Hugh - I'm loving re-reading these great Barbara Robinson books and hearing them laugh in all the same spots I do. "

    — Karen, 7/29/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I liked it, because I read it to Lucy. Discovered on our Saturday day trip to Baltimore that I can read a chapter book to her from the front seat, and she doesn't get car sick! Now for what to read to her on our trip to PA in 3 weeks. Any suggestions? "

    — Jenn, 6/16/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This book is an entertaining sequel to the Best Christmas Pageant Ever - which I enjoyed. I kept wondering what the story would read like if it were told from Imogene's point of view. I love how her character is written. "

    — Catherine, 5/2/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " it was very shot and intresting "

    — Jennifer, 5/1/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " nothing well realy just to have fun "

    — Megan, 4/9/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I'll need to re-read the other Heardman book as I felt there was a little more character development that could have been brought in but maybe they are relying on you having recently read the first book. "

    — Terri, 3/10/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This was nowhere near as great as The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. "

    — Jennifer, 3/8/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " The Herdmans kill me! Do you know a family like this? I think I was raised with them! "

    — Mary, 12/17/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This one is good also...but Halloween and Christmas are better. "

    — ruth, 8/22/2012
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " it was entertaing.....not my fav.....i wouldnt have read it if i didnt have to for battle of the books "

    — Kailey, 6/2/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " same as the Christmas Pageant. Touching, funny, and impressive! :) "

    — Sharon, 4/28/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I love reading this to my class! "

    — JoAnn, 3/19/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This is one of my favorite kid books EVER. I keep picking it up and rereading it about once a year. I can't wait to read it to my kids. It's outrageous and funny and really well done. I can't recommend this one high enough. "

    — Melynna, 12/19/2011
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " THis book is pretty lame, even for a kids book. Elizabeth wanted to give up on it almost right away. the characters are boring and there really doesn't seem to be much of a plot, other than endless naughtiness. "

    — Karla, 5/29/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " it was very shot and intresting "

    — Jennifer, 5/24/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This was nowhere near as great as The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. "

    — Jennifer, 5/19/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Very cute--but not as good as The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. "

    — Jill, 5/6/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I like "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" better, but this is a cute story about the same characters. "

    — Lynzee, 3/23/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " The Herdmans kill me! Do you know a family like this? I think I was raised with them! "

    — Mary, 3/21/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I liked it, because I read it to Lucy. Discovered on our Saturday day trip to Baltimore that I can read a chapter book to her from the front seat, and she doesn't get car sick! Now for what to read to her on our trip to PA in 3 weeks. Any suggestions? "

    — Jenn, 3/1/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " it was entertaing.....not my fav.....i wouldnt have read it if i didnt have to for battle of the books "

    — Kailey, 2/16/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Fun series. Some of the humor is far too sophisticated for young children, but that makes it an interesting book for adults to listen to as well. My son really likes these books and I'd love to find more in this style for him. "

    — Ellen, 2/12/2011
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " I just finished reading a book called, 'The Best School Year Ever'. I didn't care for this story, because everything in this book is about being bad. I don't know why this story couldn't have been more positive, since it is a kid's book. If you get this book, I hope you enjoy it more than I did. "

    — Kaytie, 2/3/2011

About Barbara Robinson

Barbara Robinson has written several popular books for children, including My Brother Louis Measures Worms, The Best School Year Ever, The Best Halloween Ever, and the enormously popular bestselling novel The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, first published in 1972 and made into a classic television movie. The play The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is produced annually in theaters, schools, and churches all over the world. Ms. Robinson has two daughters and three grandchildren.