Last Kid News:

Author and publisher David Benjamin has responded to a request by Perkins School for the Blind, of Watertown Massachusetts, to collaborate on creation of an audiobook version of his novel, Upstairs.

Sandy Lacey, Executive Director of the Howe Innovation Center at the Perkins School, explained that Upstairs, published this year by Last Kid Books, was chosen “because its gripping mystery, small-town procedural dynamics, and rich exploration of local history offer a unique literary experience that our visually impaired youth rarely get to access in specialized formats.”

Benjamin’s book is the sixth in his series of smalltown crime novels, featuring Jim Otis, police chief of the fictional Wisconsin village of Hercules. The series has thus far received thirteen literary awards from independent publishing organizations.

Benjamin said, “I was a little flummoxed by the interest in an audiobook from the Perkins School. I was editor for seven years of a weekly newspaper in Massachusetts, where Perkins is regarded as one of New England most cherished institutions.”

The Perkins School for the Blind, founded in 1829, is one of the nation’s pioneer educational facilities serving a disabled community. It has successfully integrated thousands of its graduates into respected, productive and, occasionally celebrated roles in society. Among its alumni is Anne Sullivan, Helen Keller’s tutor, depicted in an Oscar-winning performance by Anne Bancroft in Arthur Penn’s film, The Miracle Worker.

Benjamin’s novel, Upstairs, follows Chief Otis through his investigation of an abandoned building in Hercules. The dark, crumbling edifice seems to carry a curse that has terrified the town’s children and aroused community fears.

Ms. Lacey of the Perkins School said, “Working with David Benjamin on bringing Upstairs to life in audio has been a phenomenal experience. Our studio team has worked meticulously to ensure the narration captures that exact depth and tension, and we are proud to collaborate with David to deliver a commercial-grade listening experience to his readers.”

The Perkins program focuses on modern digital media, publishing innovation, and creative technology. By pairing emerging audio production standards with storytelling, Perkins provides hands-on technical experience in audiobook production, media design, and digital asset distribution, helping authors bring compelling literary works to new audiences across visual and auditory platforms.

Upstairs, along with David Benjamin’s 22 other Last Kid Books titles, is available at this website. The audiobook is schedule for release, and inclusion on the Last Kid Books website, by the end of October.