These 10 audiobooks represent the best of November 2018 to October 2019 releases, with selections for all age groups and interests. Exceptional narration enhances the fascinating stories.
 

Ahmed, Samira. Internment. Hachette Audio. ISBN 9781549148767.
Gr 9 Up–When Layla Amin and her family, along with hundreds of other Muslim Americans, are forced into internment camps, Layla leads a resistance that challenges the idea that a person’s beliefs determine their value in society. Soneela Nankani does an incredible job bringing Layla’s story to life.

Barnes, Derrick. Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut. Recorded Bks. ISBN 9781980026600.
PreS-Gr 3–In pulsing prose, Barnes describes the experience of getting a “fresh cut” through the eyes of a young African American boy. It gives him the confidence to view the world differently. Corey Allen reads in a rich, rhythmic voice.

Bausum, Ann. VIRAL: The Fight Against AIDS in America. Listening Library. ISBN 9781984886101.
Gr 7 Up–This is a comprehensive historical introduction to the social, medical, and political aspects of the HIV/AIDS crisis. Reading the stories of activists, sufferers, friends, the medical community, and government entities, Vikas Adam beautifully conveys the emotions of those affected.

Crimi, Carolyn. Weird Little Robots. Dreamscape. ISBN 9781974977383.
Gr 5-8–Delighted when their robots come to life, Penny Rose and Lark decide to keep them to themselves. But when Penny Rose reveals their secret, it causes a rift in their friendship. Cassandra Lee Morris provides delightful narration.

Kuklin, Susan. We Are Here To Stay: Voices of Undocumented Young Adults. Brilliance. ISBN 9781721365661.
Gr 7 Up–These nine young people have all lived in the United States for most of their lives, but they are undocumented. Almarie Guerra, Scott Merriman, Timothy Andrés Pabon, Frankie Corzo, Marcus Stewart, Lauren Ezzo, Emily Woo Zeller, JD Jackson, and Laura Jennings provide empathic narration.

Kwaymullina, Ambelin & Ezekiel Kwaymullina. The Things She’s Seen. Listening Library. ISBN 9781984884404.
Gr 7 Up–Beth Teller, a biracial Aboriginal Australian, was recently killed in a car accident, but her detective father can still see her. As an investigation into a deadly fire progresses, Beth and her father question a witness’s reliability while coming to realizations about themselves. Miranda Tapsell’s narration enhances this thriller with touches of magical realism.

Medina, Meg. Mango, Abuela, and Me. Live Oak. ISBN 9781430131342.
PreS-Gr 2–When Mia’s abuela comes to live with her family, Mia doesn’t speak much Spanish and her abuela has limited English, but patience and a parrot named Mango help build a special relationship. Rosi Amador, Brian Amador, and Alisa Amador bring the story to life.

Ramée, Lisa Moore. A Good Kind of Trouble. HarperAudio. ISBN 9781982641580.
Gr 5-8–As 12-year-old Shayla starts middle school, she grapples with changing friendships and engages with the Black Lives Matter movement, challenging school officials when they ban the wearing of black armbands. Imani Parks performs Shayla’s range of emotions beautifully.

Venkatraman, Padma. The Bridge Home. Listening Library. ISBN 9781984845092.
Gr 5-8 –Eleven-year-old Viji and her sister Rukku flee an abusive home, resulting in perilous days scrounging for recyclables in the “Himalayas of rubbish” with two boys their own age. The author provides lilting and captivating narration.

Warga, Jasmine. Other Words for Home. HarperAudio. ISBN 9781982657383.
Gr 5-8–Twelve-year-old Jude and her mom move from Syria to Cincinnati to live with relatives. As Jude adjusts to American life, she misses family, friends, and the country she left behind. Vaneh Assadourian performs the novel in verse.

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