Best New Young Adult Audiobooks, Selected by AudioFile Magazine for The Children’s Book Review.
Best New Audiobooks for Teens
There’s a lot of great new YA listening this month, including another charming queer love story from Jonny Garza Villa and a new mystery from prolific author Jane Hur.
Written by Jonny Garza Villa
Read by Alejandro Antonio Ruiz
Macmillan Audio | 10 hrs. | Ages 13+ | AudioFile Earphones Award
Alejandro Antonio Ruiz embodies all of the roiling emotions in this compelling queer teen love story. Rafie learned his love of mariachi from his abuelo; after he dies, he’s determined to bring home another first-place trophy from the Mariachi Extravaganza. But his new school already has a lead singer—Rey, a cute boy he met last year. Ruiz yells, cries, whispers, laughs, and sings, revealing the many layers to Rafie and Rey’s story. Review »
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Written by June Hur
Read by Greg Chun and Michelle H. Lee
Listening Library | 10 hrs. | Ages 13+ | AudioFile Earphones Award
Greg Chun and Michelle Lee portray the alliance and attraction between the two main characters of this 1506 Korean mystery. Lee’s narration is suffused with 17-year-old Isuel’s desire to free her older sister from cruel King Yeonsan. Chun’s portrayal of Daehyun, the king’s wise half-brother, has many levels. Chun shows Daehyun yielding regretfully to the increasing demands of the king while slyly plotting treason. Review »
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Written by Maia Kobabe
Read by Maia Kobabe, Trini Alvarado, Stephen Graybill, Phoebe Kobabe, Jeremy Carlisle Parker, and a Full Cast
Listening Library | 2 hrs. | Ages 18+
Maia Kobabe is the clear star of the show in this audio adaptation of their 2014 graphic memoir. In a voice that’s reflective, inviting, and refreshingly frank, e guides listeners through eir personal journey of gender discovery. A full cast helps bring the visual elements to life, voicing Kobabe’s family, friends, colleagues, classmates, and others. Music and sound effects ground listeners in each scene as Kobabe wrestles with questions of identity, attraction, and sexuality. Review »
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Written by Hafsah Faizal
Read by Maya Saroya
Macmillan Audio | 11 hrs. | Ages 14+
Maya Saroya gives an expressive performance in this thrilling historical fantasy filled with vampires, action, romance, and tea. Saroya portrays Arthie Casimir in a smooth, deadly tone that highlights her fierce determination. Arthie’s an outsider in Ettenia, but she’s created a safe haven in her tearoom, where her crew serves the best tea to high society by day and blood to vampires under the cover of night. It’s a compelling story set in a richly built world packed with secrets—performed beautifully. Review »
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Written by Adib Khorram
Read by Amin El Gamal
Listening Library | 8.5 hrs | Ages 14+
Amin El Gamal’s winning performance endears Deaf, queer protagonist Jackson Ghasnavi to listeners. Jackson loves being the stage manager for his high school’s theater department. When sweet, handsome Liam from the swim team gets the lead role in the musical, he and Jackson grow closer. The only problem? Jackson’s older sister, Jasmine, likes Liam, too. A clever and effective adaptation that’s full of charm. Review »
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This list of audiobooks was curated by AudioFile. AudioFile is an independent source of audiobook reviews and recommendations with a clear focus on the performance and listening experience. AudioFile Earphones Awards are given to exceptional audiobooks. To learn more, visit audiofilemagazine.com, Twitter @AudioFileMag, Facebook @audiofilemagazine, and Instagram @AudioFileMagazine.
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