by Tehlor Kay Mejia ; Read by Elena Rey ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 21, 2023
This action-packed allegory with a queer heart follows a troubled cazadora who is part of a world that has been ravaged by a strong opioid. After her mother's Olvida addiction leaves Lucha and her younger sister abandoned, Lucha makes a deal with a dark force that could save everyone. Narrator Elena Rey's voice reflects the steely intensity that Lucha needs to survive and protect her sister. Rey brings an enigmatic spark to the voice of a woman who is devoted to the forest goddess. Her method of fighting problems with kindness is contrasted with Lucha's violence. As their destinies collide, they begin a journey together, fleeing from the bleak, corrupt city into the forest, which is filled with legendary dangers. As family, faith, and fate are explored, the Spanish words embroidered into the story are flawlessly performed by Rey.
(Fantasy. 12-18)Pub Date: March 21, 2023
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780593613955
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
by Ibi Zoboi ; Read by Bahni Turpin & Robin Miles ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 11, 2025
Awards & Accolades
Our Verdict
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Myths come to life through Bahni Turpin and Robin Miles's stellar narration of this young adult fantasy. Marisol and her mother left their home in the Caribbean to live in Brooklyn. Marisol hopes to leave their island traditions and her family's magic behind. Genevieve grew up listening to her white father's mythical stories from her unknown mother's homeland. When the teens' lives collide, both discover secrets that change their views of their worlds. It's no surprise that both Turpin and Miles are Golden Voice narrators. Their skills bring Genevieve's and Marisol's stories to life as they capture the teens' personalities. Miles exquisitely delivers Marisol's Caribbean accent, while Turpin channels Genevieve's frustrations with her family and her own health. Simply magical.
(Verse fantasy. 14-18)Pub Date: Feb. 11, 2025
Duration: 6 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063395589
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
by Johan Harstad ; translated by Tara F. Chace ; Read by Casey Holloway ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 17, 2012
This dark science-fiction story about three teens who participate in a doomed space mission is commendably narrated by Casey Holloway. Varied accents for the three teens—who are from France, Japan, and Norway—and strong pacing showcase Holloway’s talent as a narrator. As panic sets in among the astronauts and the teens find their adult companions to be unreliable, Holloway easily delivers the rising tension, and her quiet intensity draws listeners toward the story’s chilling conclusion. Harstad’s story will leave listeners contemplating the fate of humanity in the vast reaches of space.
(Science fiction. 12 & up)Pub Date: April 17, 2012
Duration: 9 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781611134094
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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