BOOKS FOR BIG KIDS

I Kissed Shara Wheeler

A Novel

By: Casey McQuiston
Narrated by: Natalie Naudus
Length: 9 hours 24 minutes

“McQuiston's third novel (but debut YA) is a plot-driven, messy, character-rich joy ride! Think a Queer Election meets Booksmart in an early John Green novel (McQuiston does give a shout out to John Green in the book)! As usual, I loved the supporting cast as much if not more than the protagonists. I found myself rooting for most of the... Read more

Required Reading for the Disenfranchised Freshman

By: Kristen R. Lee
Narrated by: Kacie Rogers
Length: 7 hours 22 minutes

A striking debut novel about a college freshman grappling with the challenges of attending an elite university with a disturbing racist history, which may not be as distant as it seems.

"A searing debut.” –Entertainment Weekly

Savannah Howard thought everyone followed the same checklist to get into Wooddale University:
Take the hardest classesGet... Read more

Alanna: The First Adventure

Song of the Lioness #1

Song of the Lioness: Book #1

By: Tamora Pierce
Narrated by: Trini Alvarado
Length: 5 hours 14 minutes

Becoming a legend is not easy, as young Alanna of Trebond discovers when she disguises herself as a boy and begins training to be a knight. Alanna's skills and stubborness help her befriend Prince Jonathan and alienate his evil uncle, Duke Roger. Filled with swords and sorcery, adventure and intrigue, good and evil, this book is a rousing... Read more

Air

By: Monica Roe
Narrated by: Sandy Rustin
Length: 5 hours 18 minutes

Twelve-year-old Emmie is working to raise money for a tricked-out wheelchair to get serious about WCMX, when a mishap on a poorly designed ramp at school throws her plans into a tailspin. Instead of replacing the ramp, her school provides
her with a kind but unwelcome aide and, seeing a golden media opportunity, launches a public fundraiser for... Read more

A Study in Charlotte

Charlotte Holmes Novel: Book #1

By: Brittany Cavallaro
Narrated by: Graham Halstead & Julia Whelan
Length: 9 hours 6 minutes

The first book in a witty, suspenseful new trilogy about a brilliant new crime-solving duo: the teen descendants of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson. This clever page-turner will appeal to fans of Maureen Johnson and Ally Carter.Jamie Watson has always been intrigued by Charlotte Holmes; after all, their great-great-great-grandfathers are one of... Read more

Home Is Not a Country

By: Safia Elhillo
Narrated by: Safia Elhillo & Christopher Myers
Length: 3 hours 10 minutes

“I'm not even finished with the book and already know it is a standout of the year. The fresh, tender, unique way that Nima struggles to find a place to call home within herself is so much more than a coming-of-age novel or an immigrant story. Through the surreal exploration of who she could have been, Nima tells a wrenchingly real, oh-so-human... Read more

Vinyl Moon

By: Mahogany L. Browne
Narrated by: Bahni Turpin
Length: 4 hours 57 minutes

“A lyrical story of rebuilding yourself after trauma. Read more

Sasha Masha

By: Agnes Borinsky
Narrated by: Agnes Borinsky
Length: 3 hours 30 minutes

“What a tender, gentle, sensitive, painful, intimate, thoughtful story of an individual finding and embracing their true self. Alex's best friend and confidante, Mabel, moves away and he is left rudderless until Tracy asks him out. He enjoys spending time with her but is truly drawn to teal-haired Andre and the welcoming, inclusive queer... Read more

Bitter

By: Akwaeke Emezi
Narrated by: Bahni Turpin
Length: 7 hours 11 minutes

From National Book Award finalist Akwaeke Emezi comes a companion novel to the critically acclaimed PET that explores both the importance and cost of social revolution--and how youth lead the way.

After a childhood in foster care, Bitter is thrilled to have been chosen to attend Eucalyptus, a special school where she can focus on her painting... Read more

Pet

By: Akwaeke Emezi
Narrated by: Christopher Myers
Length: 5 hours 32 minutes

“A beautiful and creative story of a young girl who refuses to accept her community’s denial of a monster in her best friend’s house. Emezi’s speculative horror has the widest breadth of thoughtful representation I’ve ever read, and accessibly nuanced display and exploration of restorative justice. I think of this book often and recommend it to... Read more

A Snake Falls to Earth

By: Darcie Little Badger
Narrated by: Shaun Taylor-Corbett & Kinsale Hueston
Length: 10 hours 36 minutes

“This book truly transported me to another world. I was swept away by world building and so charmed by each of the characters. Nina and Oli both having their own talents and struggles with translation was such a wonderful way to tie these characters together until they met. A Snake Falls to Earth was a breath of fresh air, wholly original, and a... Read more

How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love with the Universe

By: Raquel Vasquez Gilliland
Narrated by: Kyla Garcia
Length: 11 hours 51 minutes

“Magical realism and rivals to lovers on a tour bus? This was such a fun ride, literally. I loved the way Moon pondered words and worked on her photography. Moon working through her low points was handled so sensitively and filled me with hope! Read more

Raybearer

The Raybearer Series: Book #1

By: Jordan Ifueko
Narrated by: Joniece Abbott-Pratt
Length: 13 hours 48 minutes

“Such a cool fantasy novel with an incredible magic system! Perfect for fans of "Children of Blood and Bone." I highly recommend listening to the audiobook to further immerse yourself in this beautiful world that Ifueko has created. Read more

The Giver

By: Lois Lowry
Narrated by: Ron Rifkin
Length: 4 hours 47 minutes

Lois Lowry’s The Giver is the quintessential dystopian novel, followed by its remarkable companions, Gathering Blue, Messenger, and Son.

Jonas's world is perfect. Everything is under control. There is no war or fear of pain. There are no choices. Every person is assigned a role in the community. When Jonas turns 12 he is singled out to receive... Read more

Six Crimson Cranes

Six Crimson Cranes: Book #1

By: Elizabeth Lim
Narrated by: Emily Woo Zeller
Length: 12 hours 53 minutes

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A princess in exile, a shapeshifting dragon, six enchanted cranes, and an unspeakable curse... Drawing from fairy tales and East Asian folklore, this original fantasy from the author of Spin the Dawn is perfect for fans of Shadow and Bone.

"A dazzling fairytale full of breathtaking storytelling." --Stephanie Garber,... Read more

They Both Die at the End

They Both Die at the End Series: Book #1

By: Adam Silvera
Narrated by: Michael Crouch, Robbie Daymond & Bahni Turpin
Length: 8 hours 29 minutes

“You go into this book knowing it's going to hurt. But somehow, you still root for the characters and bond with them. It makes you think about what you would do if you knew it was the end. I'm sad after reading this book. But not sad in a bad way. Sad in a way that made me want to hug my family. And go on walks. And make sure I am living fully.... Read more

Last Night at the Telegraph Club

By: Malinda Lo
Narrated by: Emily Woo Zeller
Length: 12 hours 25 minutes

“This coming of age story about a young woman growing up queer in 1950s Chinatown, San Francisco, was brilliant. I loved the rich historical detail, believable characters, exploration of intersectional identities, romance, and sense of place, made even stronger by the excellent narration. Best book I've read in quite some time and highly... Read more

With the Fire on High

By: Elizabeth Acevedo
Narrated by: Elizabeth Acevedo
Length: 7 hours 26 minutes

“This was a great listen. Emoni, a single teen mom, has so much on her plate and has maturity beyond her years. She’s realistic and responsible and navigates high school, parenting, college decisions and a budding love interest. She’s becoming a talented chef and her feelings are expressed in her food. The author narrates and she had me hooked... Read more

Children of Blood and Bone

Legacy of Orisha: Book #1

By: Tomi Adeyemi
Narrated by: Bahni Turpin
Length: 17 hours 44 minutes

“A sprawling fantasy teeming with deep and meaningful magic. One of the things I like most about this debut is that it raises very real and important issues of our time through multiple character's perspectives. No character is one-dimensional, and every character must learn from failure and introspection to become who they were meant to be. Read more

If This Gets Out

A Novel

By: Sophie Gonzales & Cale Dietrich
Narrated by: Ramon de Ocampo
Length: 12 hours 57 minutes

“This book absolutely blew me away! I couldn't put it down. For boy band fans, for those who can recite the words to every Camp Rock song, and for anyone who knows hard, complex, and beautiful it is to come out as queer whether you're famous or not - this is our book. Ramon de Ocampo, who also read Red White and Royal Blue, did an excellent job... Read more