• The Order of Things

  • By: Kaija Langley
  • Narrated by: Karen Murray
  • Length: 3 hrs and 9 mins
  • 5.0 out of 5 stars (2 ratings)

Prime logo Prime members: New to Audible?
Get 2 free audiobooks during trial.
Pick 1 audiobook a month from our unmatched collection.
Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks, Originals, and podcasts.
Access exclusive sales and deals.
Premium Plus auto-renews for $14.95/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.
The Order of Things  By  cover art

The Order of Things

By: Kaija Langley
Narrated by: Karen Murray
Try for $0.00

$14.95/month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy for $13.50

Buy for $13.50

Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Taxes where applicable.

Publisher's summary

A heart-rending novel-in-verse about a girl beginning to learn it is possible to go on even after a great loss.

Eleven-year-old April Jackson loves playing the drums, almost as much as she loves her best friend, Zee, a violin prodigy. They both dream of becoming professional musicians one day. When Zee starts attending a new school that will nurture his talent, April decides it’s time for her to pursue her dreams, too, and finally take drum lessons. She knows she isn’t very good to start, but with Zee’s support, she also knows someday she can be just as good as her hero, Sheila E., and travel all around the world with a pair of drumsticks in her hand.

When the unthinkable happens and Zee suddenly passes away, April is crushed by grief. Without Zee, nothing is the way it’s supposed to be. Zee's Dad isn't delivering the mail for his postal route like he should. April's Mom is suddenly dating someone new who is occupying too much space in their lives. And every time April tries to play the drums, all she can think about is Zee.

April isn't sure how to move on from the awful feeling of being without Zee. Desperate to help Papa Zee, she decides to secretly deliver the mail he’s been neglecting. But when on her route she discovers a classmate in trouble, she doesn’t second guess what she knows is the right thing to do.

©2023 Kaija Langley (P)2023 Listening Library

Critic reviews

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

“A lyrical and emotionally powerful novel-in-verse…it’s an uplifting tale of grief, courage, and community.” —The Boston Globe

“This well-crafted novel in verse is rich in detail . . . The characters are fully realized, and the themes of family, change, and grief are handled with sensitivity and care. A heart-rending narrative of friendship, family, and the path to healing.” —Kirkus, starred review

“Langley explores communal grieving and found family in this middle grade debut, a layered novel in verse. . . Declarative lines paint a spare picture of interpersonal bonds and grief, while . . . resilience and desire to uplift loved ones guide a narrative that’s invested in themes of loss, ethics, and empathy.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

What listeners say about The Order of Things

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    2
  • 4 Stars
    0
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0
Performance
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    2
  • 4 Stars
    0
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0
Story
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    2
  • 4 Stars
    0
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

A must read, powerful story!

So proud of this family member. Wow! What a wonderful story. A good read for ages 8 to 108.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!