In her introduction, Patrice Caldwell asks why black people don't exist in speculative worlds. Here, some of the foremost #ownvoices YA authors create strong black heroines in tales of "black culture, strength, beauty, bravery, resistance, magic, and hope." York Whitaker's fluid narrations showcase the versatility of stories with settings that range from contemporary America to the Caribbean and that feature diverse characters. For example, she shows the wit shining in Amerie's futuristic view of Brooklyn and in Justina Ireland's clever heroine, who outwits the oppressive sorcerer she serves. There's an intensity in Rebecca Roanhorse's powerful female characters in a story that takes place in the New Mexico territory in the 1880s and vibrancy in Elizabeth Acevedo's story of a girl born with healing magic. This magnificent collection embraces a range of racial, gender, and cultural issues.
(Fantasy. 14-adult)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2020
Duration: 10 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781690587316
Publisher: Dreamscape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Listeners follow Merry, the longbow girl, one of the best archers in her town. When she finds a magical portal in the forest that takes her back to sixteenth-century Wales, she must use her skills to win an archery contest in order to help her ancestors keep their land. While narrator Emily Wilden brings protagonist Merry to life with a rich Welsh accent, her narration seems uneven at times. All the period characters have accents that reflect the setting of the story and transport listeners to Wales. Listeners who enjoy historical fiction and a bit of fantasy will be charmed by this tale of determination, hope, and family.
Young AdultPub Date: N/A
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781501916793
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
In 1832 thirteen-year-old Charlotte Doyle is sailing from Liverpool to Rhode Island to rejoin her family. Shocked to discover that the families who were to have been both guardians and companions will not accompany her, Charlotte embarks on a journey filled with terror and swashbuckling adventure. The first-person narrative makes this Newbery Honor book a wonderful choice for recording. O'Karma's reading, with its hint of cross-gender differentiation, allows the listener to feel as if Charlotte Doyle herself were relating the tale. This story should be particularly alluring to adolescent girls although the fast-paced action and the nautical setting will also appeal to male listeners. Ages 12-adult.
Ages 12+Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 6 hrs
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
