Odyssey Award for Excellence in Audiobook Production

About the Odyssey Award for Excellence in Audiobook Production
This annual award will be given to the producer of the best audiobook produced for children and/or young adults, available in English in the United States.

Administered by:

Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) logoYoung Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) logo

2023 Honor(s)

Demon in the Wood Graphic Novel

Written by Leigh Bardugo, adaptation by Garet Scott and narrated by Ben Barnes and a full cast. Produced by Steve Wagner and Michelle Altman for Macmillan Young Listeners, an imprint of Macmillan Audio.

The graphic novel prequel to the Shadow and Bone series is artfully recreated as an exceptionally produced audio. A rich soundscape and a full cast transform this visual book into a fantastic listening experience. It is a treat for fans but is also strong as an entertaining stand-alone.


The First Helping (Lunch Lady Books 1 & 2)

Written Jarrett J. Krosoczka and narrated by Kate Flannery, the author, and a full cast. Produced by Jarrett J. Krosoczka and Lauren Klein; Executive Producer Nick Martorelli for Listening Library, an imprint of Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group.

These graphic novels have been re-imagined by author Jarrett J. Krosoczka into a full cast audio production. The larger-than-life voices and sound effects set a perfect tone for retelling a beloved series, allowing it to be enjoyed in a new way.


Inheritance: A Visual Poem

Written and narrated by Elizabeth Acevedo. Produced by Caitlin Garing for Quill Books, an imprint of HarperAudio.

Elizabeth Acevedo passionately performs her spoken-word poem celebrating the complexities and the cultural legacy that hair symbolizes for her as an Afro-Dominican woman. She layers intonation, rhythm, pacing, and volume in crafting this recording, making it a dynamic addition and approachable entry point to the art form.


The Three Billy Goats Gruff

Retold and narrated by Mac Barnett. Produced by Melissa Ellard and Paul Gagne for Weston Woods Studios and Scholastic Audio.

Jaunty music, intermittent goat poetry, and a jubilant voicing by the author, Mac Barnett, set this audio apart. Listeners of all ages will take delight in the humorous narration. This fresh audio will give librarians and caretakers something unique to bring to storytime.


Young Adult Audiobook

2023 Winner(s)

The Honeys

Written by Ryan La Sala and narrated by Pete Cross. Produced by Melissa Ellard for Scholastic Audio.

Struggling to find their place at an elite summer camp after a family tragedy, gender-fluid Mars discovers a gruesome revelation. Subtle yet immersive sound effects and a narration by Pete Cross that empathetically embodies the range of characters enhances this atmospheric novel.


Children's Audiobook

2023 Winner(s)

Stuntboy, in the Meantime

Written by Jason Reynolds and narrated by Guy Lockard, Nile Bullock and Angel Pean with a full cast. Produced by Taryn Beato for Simon & Schuster Audio.

Upbeat Portico shares his home and school adventures with enthusiasm, while his alter ego Stuntboy protects his neighbors and battles “The Frets.” In this highly entertaining audio, exuberant sound effects, music, and a full cast led by Guy Lockard, bring Stuntboy's cinematic story to life.