Golden Voice Ramón de Ocampo, who narrated each of the author's memoirs, delivers this hard-hitting YA novel in verse. De Ocampo guides listeners on its emotional journey, using the genre's rhythms to illuminate the relationship between high school seniors Diego and his best friend, Lawson. De Ocampo's poignant delivery highlights the contrast between anxious, rule-following, academically driven Diego and Lawson, who is close to failing in school and turns to selling hard drugs to support his mother. De Ocampo captures the story's highs and lows--from the teenage bliss of riding in a car with a friend to the reality of confronting a violent drug dealer. De Ocampo's narration balances lyrical writing and a gritty story.
(Verse fiction. 14-18)Pub Date: 2025
Duration: 3 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9798896790570
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Sophie Jo Wasson transports listeners to Ireland in 1847 with her poignant performance. Like many throughout the country, Nell's family's potato crop is infected with a black rot that makes the potatoes inedible. Farmers are forced to choose between paying their rent from the sale of their oat crops, or feeding their families and facing eviction. Amid those tragedies, Nell and the landlord's nephew develop a quiet friendship that, despite their class differences, grows into more. Wasson's lilting intonation and Irish accent take listeners into Nell's world, capturing the devastation, terror, and dashes of hope experienced by the teenager. Secondary characters are made equally vivid with her expressive delivery. Listeners will be tempted to finish this short novel in verse in one sitting. Simply exquisite.
(Verse historical fiction. 13-18)Pub Date: 2025
Duration: 4 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780063384972
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Narrator Angel Pean brings to life this beautiful coming-of-age story written in verse. Jaelyn Coleman is 16 years old, and her world revolves around WestSide Roll, a roller skating rink in her community. Her parents met there, and they're the ones who taught her to skate. Her friendships are tied to skating. Her community remains linked because of the music, history, and connection the rink provides. So when the rink is closed because of gentrification, Jae must deal with the reality of her changing neighborhood and the impact on her life. Pean captures Jae's devastation, passion, and determination while also matching the tone and pacing of the story. Listeners will be immediately drawn in by Pean's emotional delivery.
(Verse fiction. 14-18)Pub Date: 2025
Duration: 5 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798217071265
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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