Arielle DeLisle clearly differentiates the large cast of characters in this audiobook and the rainbow of feelings inherent in adolescent love. Seventeen-year-old Molly is headed for Crush #27—and none have ended in so much as a kiss. DeLisle’s narration adds to the story’s natural dialogue and honest emotions. She captures Molly’s angst, which contrasts with her twin sister, Cassie’s, confidence. Molly wonders if being sperm-donor twins is the reason she’s overweight and less datable. As Cassie enters a more serious relationship with the beautiful Mina, Molly feels herself drifting apart from her twin and away from family. She’s more concerned about hiding her first promising crush than joining the celebration of their mothers’ wedding. The diversity of characters and crushes and the many views of individuation are well integrated into the story.
(Fiction. 14-17)Pub Date: April 11, 2017
Duration: 8 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780062417886
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Listeners follow Merry, the longbow girl, one of the best archers in her town. When she finds a magical portal in the forest that takes her back to sixteenth-century Wales, she must use her skills to win an archery contest in order to help her ancestors keep their land. While narrator Emily Wilden brings protagonist Merry to life with a rich Welsh accent, her narration seems uneven at times. All the period characters have accents that reflect the setting of the story and transport listeners to Wales. Listeners who enjoy historical fiction and a bit of fantasy will be charmed by this tale of determination, hope, and family.
Young AdultPub Date: N/A
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781501916793
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
In 1832 thirteen-year-old Charlotte Doyle is sailing from Liverpool to Rhode Island to rejoin her family. Shocked to discover that the families who were to have been both guardians and companions will not accompany her, Charlotte embarks on a journey filled with terror and swashbuckling adventure. The first-person narrative makes this Newbery Honor book a wonderful choice for recording. O'Karma's reading, with its hint of cross-gender differentiation, allows the listener to feel as if Charlotte Doyle herself were relating the tale. This story should be particularly alluring to adolescent girls although the fast-paced action and the nautical setting will also appeal to male listeners. Ages 12-adult.
Ages 12+Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 6 hrs
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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