Ice dancer Karina Manta's sensitive performance of her memoir about life on and off the ice centers this thoughtful production. Raised in Arizona, Manta discovered an early passion for skating. The author's conversational style invites listeners to share in the joys and challenges of her experiences, including coming out and college life. As she examines the high personal costs connected with the stringent expectations of coaches and judges during her career as a competitive ice dancer, her voice grows quiet. Drawing from her own struggles with body image and mental health, Manta offers encouragement and empathetic support for anyone experiencing similar issues. Humorous asides appear throughout, alerting listeners to "spoiler alerts" for anecdotes. This audiobook offers an important voice for young athletes.
(Memoir. 12-18)Pub Date: Oct. 19, 2021
Duration: 6 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593416815
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Both narrators lean into the opposites-attract chemistry.
Stephanie Rose and Alex Knox perform this cute, cozy teen romance in dual narration. Rory’s passion in life is cheerleading, and her goal is to win the big competition, but her plans hit a roadblock when a member of her squad is injured. Jacob is a soccer star turned cheerleader, and he’s willing to join the squad and save the day. Too bad he’s the most annoying person Rory has ever met. Rose’s expressive, lively voice portrays Rory’s reluctance and drive as she strives to do what's best for the cheer squad, while Knox’s warm, inviting timbre conveys Jacob’s charm and confidence.
Both narrators lean into the opposites-attract chemistry. (Romance. 13-17)Pub Date: Aug. 4, 2026
Duration: 6 hrs, 10 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063513457
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Aug. 4, 2026
Small’s performance will keep listeners invested.
Narrator Izzy Meikle Small infuses this teen tennis romance with tension and heart. Billie has the potential to win junior doubles at Wimbledon, but she needs a new partner. Her last hope is her coach’s nephew, Harley, whom she has always despised. But as Harley and Billie spend more time together, they soon become more than teammates. Small’s bright, expressive, British-accented voice emphasizes Billie’s vulnerabilities, determination, and desires as she pursues her goals and gives in to her feelings for Harley. However, her tone lacks the same variation when delivering Harley’s dialogue.
Small’s performance will keep listeners invested. (Romance. 14-18)Pub Date: June 2, 2026
Duration: 6 hrs, 17 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063516861
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: June 16, 2026
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