Narrator Annie Q portrays Nic Chen, the protagonist of Rosario's novel in verse. The plot revolves around high school seniors who are obsessed with obtaining admission to their Ivy League college of choice--so obsessed that they pay Nic to write their admissions essays. Annie Q captures Nic with an increasingly angst-tinged realism. Known as the girl who cheated on her boyfriend, Nic feels increasingly guilty with each additional paper she writes and continues to regret the mistake that cost her the boy she loved. Annie Q turns this slightly maudlin plot into something meaningful through the conviction of her delivery, particularly her first-person portrayal of Nic. She also excels at revealing the desperation that causes Nic's classmates to resort to hiring her to do their work.
(Novel in verse. 14-18)Pub Date: April 2, 2019
Duration: 3 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593104002
Publisher: Listening Library
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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