Willowdean (Dumplin') is a fat girl who's content in her own skin. Narrator Eileen Stevens provides an appealing look into the workings of Will's mind. Will describes herself as a "cashier, Dolly Parton enthusiast, and resident fat girl." Her attitude is upbeat and positive, but she's not saccharine sweet. Stevens gives her appropriate teenaged snarkiness, and each deep sigh speaks volumes. When a big disappointment causes Will to lose her focus, she becomes anxious and insecure. Her mother coordinates the annual Blue Bonnet Beauty Pageant, and, surprisingly, Will decides to enter--without losing weight. Soon more "outsider" teens enter as well. Stevens depicts body image issues, first romance, drag queens, and rebellious beauty queens. Listeners won't want to miss meeting this funny, original heroine.
(Fiction. 13-16)Pub Date: 2015
Duration: 9 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780062421425
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: 2026
Duration: 10 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063312517
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Mirai's narration gives emotional depth to 16-year-old Char Tang, who is provided an escape from her lack of prospects and her threatening stepfather by a last-minute invitation to a summer camp at MIT. Even though Char feels intellectually out of her depth compared to the other campers, she believes winning the camp's coding competition could mean a new start for her. She befriends Khoi Astor, the top student in the program, who helps her with her academic performance and slowly becomes more than the means to winning much needed money. Is it possible his confidence and upbeat attitude could be instructive? Mirai portrays an anxious teen with a lot at stake as she becomes increasingly determined to win a fierce competition. E.J.F © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine
(Romance. 13-18)Pub Date: 2025
Duration: 7 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668153840
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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