Fifty years after four young people were shot by the National Guard at Kent State University, Deborah Wiles gives us an honest fictional account enhanced by this production. The narrators give voice to several witnesses, each with a unique perspective. We hear the truth as perceived by students, townies, the National Guard, and others. Christopher Gebauer, as Student #1, uses a calm, steady voice to defuse the impatient anger of the activist student, portrayed by Lauren Ezzo. The insistent tone of Korey Jackson as a member of the Black United Students provides historical context. Christina Delaine and Johnny Heller, as townies, speak with hurt and confusion of dissension they don’t understand, and Roger Wayne, as the Guardsman, adds an important perspective.
(Verse novel. 12-18)Pub Date: April 21, 2020
Duration: 2 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781338636352
Publisher: Scholastic Audiobooks
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Amber McBride's narration of her novel paints a picture of careful, rule-abiding 17-year-old Gospel, a Keeper who lives in the Leaving Room. She's responsible for helping young souls transition between life and death. McBride's precise delivery echoes her stunning images of evocative memories and settings. Gradually, McBride's narration is colored with questioning as Gospel wonders at the rules she lives by. These rules collapse when she connects with Melodee, another Keeper, even as the narration reflects the joys and tenderness of their love. Finally, the memories Gospel has collected from all the Leavers give context to her own life experience as she remembers and owns her past. McBride's lyrical narration weaves together love, loss, grief, and the liminal space between life and death.
(Verse fiction. 14-18)Pub Date: Oct. 14, 2025
Duration: 2 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250411440
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Tune your ear to a rap beat and prepare for a great listen. It's 1999, and Pernell, a failing high school student, uses a pen recorder to capture his thoughts for posterity in case the Y2K hysteria is true and civilization collapses. Author and narrator Idris Goodwin showcases the personalities of Pernell's caring parents and friends, as well as an antagonistic teacher, through tone. Sometimes it takes a few seconds to determine who's speaking, but Goodwin's approach definitely works. Pernell is thoroughly likable. He's smart but often derailed by ADHD. Rapping is his thing. He records his triumphs and struggles, including his attempts to be the Cypher King of summer school. Listeners will find that his sincerity and occasional self-doubts ring true.
(Verse fiction. 12-18)Pub Date: Oct. 14, 2025
Duration: 3 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781668147696
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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