Josh Bloomberg's resonant voice is perfect for 15-year-old Hoodie Rosen, who shares classic Jewish stories and the words of his Rebbe (a Hasidic spiritual leader). But Hoodie's instincts are beginning to conflict with Orthodox teachings, and Bloomberg's narration captures Hoodie's irony, sarcasm and introspection. Central to the story is an act of goodness: Hoodie and 15-year-old Anne-Marie remove swastikas spray-painted on Jewish gravestones. Instead of affirmation, he is condemned for consorting with a non-Jew. In a further complication, Anne-Marie is the daughter of the mayor, who opposes Hoodie's father's proposed high-rise project, which is meant to bring more Orthodox families to the community. Bloomberg guides listeners expertly through Jewish terms and traditions, Hoodie's experience of first love, and the hatred mounting in a conflicted community.
(Fiction. 12-adult)Pub Date: Sept. 13, 2022
Duration: 6 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780593630020
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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