The Best New Young Adult Audiobooks, Selected by AudioFile Magazine for The Children’s Book Review.
Best New Young Adult Audiobooks
This month, we’re highlighting some of the best new YA audiobooks for teens. There’s plenty of good listening for lovers of fantasy, historical nonfiction, mysteries, and contemporary fiction alike. We’ve also got a special treat for audiophiles and Avatar fans: check out this fantastic video from Nancy Wu, who narrates the latest Avatar audiobook.
Impossible Escape: A True Story of Survival and Heroism in Nazi Europe
Story by Steve Sheinkin
Read by Rob Shapiro
Listening Library | 5.75 hrs. | Ages 12+ | AudioFile Earphones Award
Rob Shapiro balances a neutral tone and deep emotions as he recounts the horrific and sometimes miraculous experiences of Rudi and Gerta, two Jewish Slovakian teens who are trying to survive WWII. Shapiro captures the author’s engaging writing style as he reveals Rudi’s horrific experiences in Auschwitz and Gerta’s secret activities as a member of the Slovakian underground. As always, Sheinkin weaves powerful details into a compelling story, and Shapiro’s narration transforms it into absorbing audio. Review »
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The Spirit Bares Its Teeth
Story by Andrew Joseph White
Read by Raphael Corkhill
Listening Library | 10.75 hrs. | Ages 14+ | AudioFile Earphones Award
Raphael Corkhill takes on this ghoulish version of Victorian London in which violet-eyed mediums commune with ghosts under the jurisdiction of the all-powerful male-led Royal Speaker Society. Silas Bell, who is transgender, would rather perform a hysterectomy on himself than be married off as a violet-eyed breeder. Corkhill is an applaudable and respectful choice to portray Silas; he sounds masculine, as Silas sees himself, when telling his story, yet feminine, as the world sees him, when speaking aloud. He also excels at the anxious “inner rabbit” voice that personifies Silas’s fears and unnamed autism. Review »
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Avatar, The Last Airbender: The Legacy of Yangchen: Chronicles of the Avatar, Book 4
Story by F.C. Yee
Read by Nancy Wu
Blackstone Audio | 11 hrs. | Ages 14+ | AudioFile Earphones Award
Nancy Wu steps gracefully into the prestigious role of Avatar Yangchen in this prequel to the beloved series. Yangchen, an air-nomad avatar prior to Aang, is the glue holding four nations together. But a powerful enemy threatens the balance. In her attempt to restore peace, Yangchen seeks help from an old friend turned betrayer. Wu’s interpretation of the rich character development makes this a unique listening experience. Her soothing narration embodies Yangchen’s pacifism but doesn’t detract from the thrilling action sequences. A standout performance. Review »
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Rook
Story by William Ritter
Read by Nicola Barber
Hachette Audio | 8.75 hrs. | Ages 12+ | AudioFile Earphones Award
Nicola Barber’s crisp British accent and tone of self-doubt work well in depicting Abigail Rook. Abigail has recently inherited the psychic abilities of her employer, R.F. Jackaby, the protagonist of four previous mysteries. Abigail must now take the lead in the firm’s supernatural detective work. Barber shifts smoothly to Jackaby’s American accent and confident tone, establishing his role as Abigail’s mentor. Dialogue between the two characters is excellent, whether its tone is bantering or conciliatory. Minor characters—trolls, ghosts, and shape-shifters—are clearly defined. Barber’s steady narration adds believability. Review »
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Clementine and Danny Save the World (and Each Other)
Story by Livia Blackburne
Read by David Lee Huynh and Josephine Huang
Harper Audio | 7.75 hrs. | Ages 13+ | AudioFile Earphones Award
Josephine Huang’s and David Lee Huynh’s earnest performances delight in this winning YA rom-com. Huang’s spirited narration embodies the optimistic 18-year-old Clementine Chan, who writes as Hibiscus in a blog that provides news and reviews on Chinatown. Huynh’s deep tones and pacing clearly portray the cranky Danny Mok, a.k.a. BobaBoy888. Mok thinks Hibiscus’s “cringe-worthy” posts are superficial. The interplay between the two performers’ voices and styles fluidly captures Danny and Clementine’s different socioeconomic situations and their eventual cooperation. A sweet, smart listen. 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 @AudioFileBehindTheMicPodcast.
