Jorjeanne Marie narrates the contemporary first-person story of 16-year-old Ivy, flavoring her narration with a mild Texas accent. Stronger than the accent are the emotions Marie projects as a teen who's become pregnant in a town of megachurches. Ivy's shame and distress at unjust accusations are balanced by the wry humor peppered throughout the story. Marie presents Lorenzo, Ivy's steadying boyfriend, with a gravelly voice that makes him seem more solid as the two travel to Oregon for a legal abortion. En route, the pair see extraordinary sites and meet four women who counter the repressive texts and calls coming from Texas. The narration and writing give good dimension to the characters in a story that offers perspectives on women's choices, illustrating rather than preaching.
(Fiction. 12-18)Pub Date: Oct. 3, 2023
Duration: 11 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593746325
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Karla Serrato's authentic accent adds to her presentation of the difficult choices faced by two teenagers dealing with corporate greed and its associated damage. Paloma decides to enter a scholarship contest with her ex-boyfriend Julio by investigating the harm the business giant Selva is inflicting on their Southern California community. Winning would provide each their greatest desire, providing Julio tuition and Paloma the national publication of her writing. Serrato's thoughtful narration ably depicts the teens, their families, and the twists in their stories. An accompanying map and afterword provide context to the important story behind Ixta's writing. A relevant and engrossing tale as the students uncover the ecological and political ramifications.
(Fiction. 13-18)Pub Date: Feb. 3, 2026
Duration: 9 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063287945
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Desean Terry delivers a touching performance of this reimagining of "The Great Gatsby," in which the protagonists are gay Black prep school students. Aspiring journalist Nick Carrington leaves Oklahoma to begin school at Harlem's West Egg Academy. Out of his element, Nick keeps his gay identity a closely held secret, but love interest Jay Gatsby Jr.--the academy founder's son--openly embraces his own gay identity. As they write letters to each other, each more daring and affectionate than the last, they receive threats that their budding relationship will be exposed in the school newspaper. Terry clearly presents every piece of dialogue that warrants an emotional charge and adds subtle suspense to his straightforward tone when needed. Terry's narration is always on the money.
(Historical fiction. 13-18)Pub Date: Jan. 27, 2026
Duration: 10 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063312517
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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