Narrator Dion Graham shines bright in this YA prequel, set 17 years before the events in THE HATE U GIVE. Narrating in the first person as Maverick, Graham is tasked with delivering internal and external dialogue. We hear the fast-paced, sometimes frantic, thoughts of a Black teenage boy in way over his head—dealing drugs in order to help his mother take care of his family. In those moments, Graham sounds like a poet, and the rhythm of his narration carries listeners away. When Maverick speaks aloud, his tone changes, depending on whom he is speaking to. When Graham slips between the internal and external voices, listeners feel as though they are living inside this emotionally fraught, well-paced audiobook. Listeners should plan on setting aside a full day because once they start listening, they won’t want to stop.
(Fiction. 13-18)Pub Date: Jan. 12, 2021
Duration: 8 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063043817
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A powerful journey toward authenticity.
Shannon Tyo’s narration fully embodies the prideful spirit of Elena Ok, a 17-year-old Korean American influencer who lives in luxury thanks to her brand and her family’s clothing business. But when the Oks lose everything, the family moves to a remote farm town and into a rundown house with no Wi-Fi or furniture. Tyo perfectly captures Elena’s misery; she’s undone not just by the lack of reception but also the feeling that she’s being left out of her family’s efforts to unite and move forward. Listeners understand Elena’s pain and feelings of loss through dialogue that sparks with sarcasm. Tyo marks Elena’s gradual understanding that true connection is with family and community, not the empty superficiality that dominated her past.
A powerful journey toward authenticity. (Fiction. 12-18)Pub Date: March 3, 2026
Duration: 10 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217280834
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: March 3, 2026
This duo delivers a fascinating web of deceit and magical thrills.
Two women are caught up in a thrilling magical duel in this YA audiobook. Tamsin, voiced by Jo Yuan, is pressured by her famous magician father to follow in his career. Yuan narrates with assertive bluster, emphasizing Tamsin’s desire to escape from beneath her father’s thumb no matter what it takes. Sam, voiced by Mirai, wants revenge on Tamsin’s father, even if it means sending her infamous champion into the dueling ring to destroy his only daughter. Mirai narrates with meticulous care, perfectly conveying Sam’s scheming nature. But Tamsin doesn’t know Sam’s true goals, and as the two connect, they can’t help finding comfort in each other.
This duo delivers a fascinating web of deceit and magical thrills. (Fantasy. 14-18)Pub Date: Feb. 10, 2026
Duration: 9 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798217279890
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Feb. 17, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
