Jarrett J. Krosoczka’s second memoir, following HEY, KIDDO, recounts his experiences as a teen counselor at a camp for terminally ill children. Originally a graphic memoir, it becomes a powerful cinematic audio because of the coordination of more than 50 narrators, carefully selected music, and sound effects that enhance the action. Krosoczka portrays himself as an adult; Jaiden Meltzer portrays his younger self. At the camp, Jarrett uses his gift for drawing to overcome his nerdy past and access his feelings for fellow counselors and, most importantly, the campers. Most notable among them are Diego, a teen who struggles with both reticence and his illness, portrayed by Noah Rico, and joyful, giggly Eric, who embraces superhero status, portrayed by Xavier Krosoczka.
(Graphic memoir. 14-18)Pub Date: June 6, 2023
Duration: 2 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781338775204
Publisher: Scholastic Audiobooks
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Sara Matsui Colby is the main narrator of this audio adaptation of a graphic novel, and various narrators chime in as minor characters. Japanese-American author Christine Mari recounts her study abroad experience as a time of culture shock, depression, a feeling of lack of belonging, microaggressions, and, eventually, self-discovery. To supplement the lack of visuals, various audio techniques give the story the feel of a graphic novel. Music, vocal distortions, and soundboard clips create a cinematic experience but are somewhat uneven. Some background characters are too quiet to hear, and some sound effects are too loud. Colby, Chieko Hidaka, Alice Wen, and Siho Ellsmore are a sort of Greek chorus who step into an assortment of roles as needed.
(Graphic memoir. 13-18)Pub Date: Jan. 7, 2025
Duration: 1 hr, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668644102
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A full cast of more than 40 performers brings this powerful graphic novel memoir vividly to life. When he was 3, Jarrett’s grandparents removed him from his heroin-addicted mother’s custody and raised him in their noisy, loving home, encouraging his artistic talent. With music, sound effects, and affecting performances, listeners feel like they are at the dinner table with him and his hard-drinking, foul-mouthed grandparents in Worcester, Massachusetts. As co-producer and co-director, Krosoczka has created a uniquely personal audiobook, casting family and friends in the production. Narrator pros Jeanne Birdsall, Richard Ferrone, and Jenna Lamia take the roles of the grandparents and the author’s birth mother. His father voices himself, reliving the painful memories of their family history. Young Jarrett and his friend Pat are portrayed by Jarrett’s and Pat’s children, and Jarrett’s aunts deliver their own parts as well, making every interaction incredibly authentic.
(Graphic novel memoir. 14-adult)Pub Date: Nov. 5, 2019
Duration: 2 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781338569896
Publisher: Scholastic Audiobooks
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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