When it comes to picking the best of the best, Publishers Weekly knows which audiobooks will really catch a kid’s ear, including five Listening Library titles. In fact, they liked three of them so much, they won in multiple categories! Check out the full list of winners here.
This year’s selections include something for every young listener, no matter their age or interest. Kids who love adventure can turn to the misadventures of the mystery-solving identical twins Edgar and Allan Poe, or return to the world of the wise and curious Primrose Squarb in the sequel to Newbery Honor Book Everything on a Waffle. YA listeners will fall in love with Rainbow Rowell’s funny and realistic take on an extraordinary high school romance. Teens looking for adventure need look no further than Libba Bray’s fantastic occult mystery series set in the roaring ‘20s, or Jon Skonvron’s hilarious, romantic, and wildly imaginative tale about a monster on a mission.
Best of Fiction
Read by the Author
“Jon Skovron knows his characters inside and out, and it shows in his skillful narration. He brings out all the personality and emotions of his characters, as well as the excitement and suspense of the action-packed parts of his book. Best of all, Skovron creates a marvelously entertaining array of memorable character voices for the colorful cast… With its blend of sci-fi, horror, action, romance, and—at its heart—the universal longing for identity and a place to belong, this audiobook should appeal to a wide range of listeners.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review
Read by Arte Johnson
“Johnson’s delivery is stellar and his character interpretations colorful and endlessly creative. The narrator’s ability to grab listeners and lure them into this fantasy is a true treat, and his extensive vocal pallet is something to behold. Endlessly fun and ultimately very satisfying on every level.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review
Read by January LaVoy
“LaVoy provides lively, magnetic narration and gives unique voices to the book’s cast of fascinating characters. Listeners both young and old will enjoy this supernatural story and find this audio edition enthralling, irresistible entertainment.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review
Best of YA/Children’s
Read by Rebecca Lowman amd Sunil Malhotra
“Narrators Rebecca Lowman and Sunil Malhotra turn in superb performances in their portrayal of Eleanor and Park. Despite her age, there is nothing sweet or childlike about Eleanor, and Lowman refrains from portraying her that way. Lowman’s voice and tone believably capture the too-mature-too-soon strength of a girl living a hard life. Malhotra has a rich, smooth delivery, and perfectly renders Park as he fluctuates between confidence and insecurity. Listeners of all ages will be able to enjoy this audio edition.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review
Read by Kathleen McInerney
“Kathleen McInerney is a perfect narrator for this material, her versatile voice conveying the unique personalities of the eccentric cast of characters… A well-paced story and likable characters, combined with excellent narration, make this a very enjoyable listen.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review
THE TELL-TALE START by Gordon McAlpine, read by Arte Johnson
The endless fun in this audiobook makes it a stand-out title for mystery-loving children.
THE DIVINERS by Libba Bray, read by January LaVoy
With thrills and chills around everyone corner, Libba Bray’s creepy new series will be a hit with teens and adults.
Read By the Author
MAN MADE BOY by Jon Skovron
The best thing about author-read audiobooks is that they understand their characters like nobody else. Hear for yourself why Jon Skovron’s narration tops PW‘s list.
Audiobook Narrator of the Year
THE TELL-TALE START by Gordon McAlpine, read by Arte Johnson
Publishers Weekly gives narrator Arte Johnson a glowing review for his narration, saying, “His extensive vocal pallet is something to behold.”
THE DIVINERS by Libba Bray, read by January LaVoy
GO BEHIND THE SCENES: Find out more about narrator January’s casting here .
Audiobook of the Year
THE TELL-TALE START by Gordon McAlpine, read by Arte Johnson
With a mix of mischievous twins, mayhem, and mad scientists, it’s no mystery why Gordon McAlpine’s new series won FOUR Listen-Up Awards this year!
