Lauri Jo Daniels and Emily Ellet portray two strong teens who are living in California's Central Valley during the 1940s. Daniels colors the chapters narrated by 16-year-old Ginny Rose with a mild Oklahoma accent. Daniels also captures the tenderness Ginny Rose has for her sisters and her best friend, Peggy. Ginny Rose's family lost their Oklahoma farm in the Dust Bowl, and at age 6, with both dysentery and dust raging, she helped her father bury her two young brothers, and she's been supporting the family ever since. Ellet narrates Peggy's chapters, reflecting her higher class, privilege, and sensitivity to Ginny Rose's difficulties. Peggy faces her own troubles when she learns how her family's patriarchal structure has been undercutting her power. Prejudices surrounding class, economics, and gender are strong themes.
(Historical fiction. 13-18)Pub Date: May 17, 2022
Duration: 11 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593584996
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Desean Terry delivers a touching performance of this reimagining of "The Great Gatsby," in which the protagonists are gay Black prep school students. Aspiring journalist Nick Carrington leaves Oklahoma to begin school at Harlem's West Egg Academy. Out of his element, Nick keeps his gay identity a closely held secret, but love interest Jay Gatsby Jr.--the academy founder's son--openly embraces his own gay identity. As they write letters to each other, each more daring and affectionate than the last, they receive threats that their budding relationship will be exposed in the school newspaper. Terry clearly presents every piece of dialogue that warrants an emotional charge and adds subtle suspense to his straightforward tone when needed. Terry's narration is always on the money.
(Historical fiction. 13-18)Pub Date: Jan. 27, 2026
Duration: 10 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063312517
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This audiobook was inspired by the forbidden love of the authors' grandparents in early-twentieth-century Korea amid its colonization by Japan. Their story, told in alternating chapters, combines history, folklore, romance, and magic. Julia Riew delivers the chapters of Eunji, a Korean girl who is trapped in her wealthy life. Joshua Hyunho Lee portrays Seung, who is trapped by poverty and oppression. Riew expresses Eunji's joy at excursions into the world with Seung, while Lee shows Seung's despair at failing his exam and at Eunji's arranged marriage to the son of a Japanese diplomat. Through the power of their magic and love, the couple is finally united, finds freedom, and saves the last tiger. Alex Intae Kim and Sue Jean Kim deliver periodic quotations from the Riews' grandparents, and together the Riews deliver the authors' note.
(Fantasy. 12-18)Pub Date: July 29, 2025
Duration: 13 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798217074396
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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