Narrator Shayna Small is excellent as she portrays Leena, a 16-year-old girl who is being raised by her single mother, Asiyah. Leena has always dreamed of being part of a big family, but so far her family is just two people. When an unexpected phone call reveals that she has a Muslim grandfather and great-aunt, Leena is forced to rethink everything about her identity and consider the differences between her secular African American mother and her newly discovered relatives. Small's narration perfectly reflects Leena's emotional journey as she is confronted by questions of identity, family, culture, and faith. Listeners will be invested in Leena's exploration of where she came from, who she is, and what her future holds.
(Fiction. 14-18)Pub Date: Aug. 26, 2025
Duration: 6 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9798897567874
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Sophie Amoss narrates this story set in nineteenth-century Russia's Jewish communities. After fleeing from an arranged marriage, 17-year-old Sorel navigates gender identity. Sorel assumes the masculine identity Isser Jacobs, only to learn that Isser Jacobs is a real person who sold illegal political pamphlets translated into Yiddish. Magical elements including dybbuks (angels) and demons, some of whom have Russian accents, are interspersed in the story. Characters speak in hushed tones when discussing censorship, growing determined as they seek answers. Sorel often stutters when flustered, and when Sorel becomes Isser, Amoss uses a deeper voice. Amoss masterfully handles the pronunciation of Yiddish and Hebrew words in this solid, well-paced performance.
(Historical fantasy. 14-18)Pub Date: Dec. 3, 2024
Duration: 6 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9798894862484
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Narrator Emily Lawrence aids listeners in picturing Yocheved (Yoyo) Gold, eldest daughter of an Orthodox rabbi. Lawrence captures the intelligence, wit, and leadership that have made her a respected, responsible family member and friend. Lawrence also depicts Yoyo's sense of irony and inner turmoil when her best friend is sent away to a boarding school after kissing a boy. Yoyo's innocence and traditional beliefs are challenged by the leniently raised daughter of a Reform rabbi, who introduces her to McDonald's and TikTok, where Yoyo's first post goes viral. Lawrence gives a discerning view of the questions and conflicts related to insular orthodoxy in the contemporary world and a heroine who struggles, and finally discovers, her true self. Through Lawrence's narration cultural norms come into clear focus.
(Fiction. 14-18)Pub Date: Oct. 15, 2024
Duration: 8 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593945179
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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