Amazing Audiobooks

The Diablo’s Curse. By Gabe Cole Novoa. Read by Vico Ortiz. 2024. 12 hr. Listening Library, DD (9780593795033). Gr. 9-12.

Dami, a demon seeking humanity, must cancel all their deals, but the final deal with Silas complicates things. Ending it would mean Silas’s death. Together, they race to break Silas’s curse before time runs out. The narrator’s natural accent and tone enhance the story, immersing listeners in this gripping world.

Diet Soda Club. By Chaz Hayden. Read by Michael Crouch. 2024. 8 hr. Listening Library, DD (9780593664346). Gr. 9-12.

This is the story of Reed Beckett and his 10-year-old sister, Beatrice. With their father dead and their mother absent, Reed juggles school and caring for Beatrice, who is often hospitalized. To support them, Reed secretly sells fake IDs with help from Helena, his childhood friend. Michael Crouch’s narration brilliantly captures Reed’s struggles and resilience.

The Enigma Girls: How Ten Teenagers Broke Ciphers, Kept Secrets, and Helped Win World War II. By Candace Fleming. Read by Moira Quirk. 2024. 4.5 hr. Scholastic Audio, DD (9781546117636). Gr. 5-8.

The Enigma Girls tells the power story of young women who played a crucial role in decoding Nazi messages at Bletchley Park during World War II. Their secretive work helped shift the tide for the Allies. The narrator, Moira Quirk, imbues the events with the gravitas they deserve while still making the story captivating.

Everything We Never Had. By Randy Ribay. Read by Ramón de Ocampo, Jesse Inocalla, Manny Jacinto & JB Tadena. 2024. 7 hr. Listening Library, DD (9780593866733). Gr. 7-12.

Four generations of Filipino Americans, trying to make their own way, grapple with identity, masculinity, family relationships, and cultural understanding. Each teen has his own narrator and each narrator animates their section to create distinct characters. The story weaves between timelines to let each boy tell his own story.

My Salty Mary. By Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows. Read by Nneka Okoye. 2024. 10 hr. HarperAudio, DD (9780063308855). Gr. 8-12.

In My Salty Mary, a mermaid-turned-pirate fights to captain a ship and become Pirate Queen after Blackbeard’s death. Mary’s fierce determination fuels her pirate ambitions, defying all who doubt her. The narrator skillfully varies tone and pitch, creating engaging character distinctions that enhance the story’s vibrant and adventurous spirit.

Pick the Lock. By A.S. King. Read by Max Meyers, Jorjeana Marie & A.S. King. 2024. 10.75 hr. Listening Library, DD (9780593744390). Gr. 9-12.

This story follows Jane Vandermaker-Cook as she tries to reconnect with her absent mother. Living in a Victorian mansion with her odd family, Jane discovers a lifetime of security footage that changes everything. This innovative audiobook blends music and multiple narrators to create a deeply immersive, emotionally charged experience, mirroring the punk opera Jane is composing.

Snowglobe. By Soyoung Park. Read by Shannon Tyo, Greta Jung, and Jeena Yi. Translated by Joungmin Lee Comfort. 2024.10.5 hr. Listening Library, DD (9780593794937). Gr. 7-12.

The only joy in Chobahm's frozen world is 24/7 reality television from the domed paradise of Snowglobe. When Snowglobe’s darling commits suicide, Chobahm takes her place, finding the truth is far from what she imagined. The narrators deftly craft similar, yet unique characters, a balancing act critical to the story.

Somewhere Beyond the Sea. By TJ Klune. Read by Daniel Henning. 2024. 15.75hr. Macmillan Audio, DD (9781250331601). Adult.

We return to Marsyas Island and Arthur Parnassus' extraordinary children. Arthur’s testimony before the Department in Charge of Magical Youth about his tragic past should have set him free. Instead, it threatens their very future. Daniel Henning brings all of these beloved characters to life with heart and humor.

Swarm. By Jennifer D. Lyle. Read by Krystal Hammond. 2023. 10.75 hr. Blackstone Publishing, DD (9798212195775). Gr. 8-12.

A gripping survival tale, Swarm plunges readers into a world ravaged by climate change and butterfly-like monsters invading all continents. Sixteen-year-old Shur, her brothers, and friends are trapped in their suburban home, battling escalating dangers. Narrator Krystal Hammond expertly conveys the characters’ fear, anxiety, and resolve, keeping listeners riveted as they anticipate the next terrifying twist.

Twenty-Four Seconds From Now…: A LOVE Story. By Jason Reynolds. Read by Guy Lockard. 2024. 4.5 hr. Simon & Schuster Audio, DD (9781668118689). Gr. 9-12.

High school senior Neon, trapped in his girlfriend Aria’s bathroom and his own thoughts, reflects on their relationship as he prepares for a significant first with her. Well paced and humorous narration highlight the emotional gravity of first love, friendships, family loss, and the uncertainties of life after high school.

*Denotes a Top Ten Title

A Crane Among Wolves. By June Hur. Read by Greg Chun and Michelle H. Lee. 2024. 10 hr. Listening Library, DD (9780593946114). Gr. 10-12.

A Crane Among Wolves is historical fiction based on Korean history. Iseul leaves her village to save her older sister, meeting unlikely allies along the way. The story has strong characters, political intrigue, mystery, and romance. The narrators expertly and seamlessly incorporate the Korean language into the narration.

Bad Best Friend. By Rachel Vail. Read by Mara Wilson. 2024. 7 hr. Listening Library, DD (9780593795743). Gr. 5-8.

Eighth-grader Niki wants to stay best friends with Ava, but suddenly Ava only wants to hang with the popular girls. Is it true that Niki is a bad best friend? Mara Wilson portrays Niki’s journey with care and creates a unique voice for each character, adding depth to their stories.

The Bad Ones. By Melissa Albert. Read by Emma Galvin. 2024. 11.5 hr. Macmillan Audio, DD (9781250910509). Gr. 10-12.

Nora's ex-best friend Becca vanishes after leaving a farewell text. When Nora starts receiving coded messages that Becca left behind, she enters a world of dark folklore and slumber-party games that hint at the occult. Emma Galvin injects a good dose of spookiness into this suspenseful tale.  

Beastly Beauty. By Jennifer Donnelly. Read by Steve West. 2024. 11 hr. Scholastic Audio, DD (9781546120780). Gr. 7-12.

In this gender-swapped retelling of "Beauty and the Beast," Beau stumbles upon a mysterious castle. Cruel courtesans serve the princess Arabella, a monster roams the halls, and the servants are excited to have a visitor. Beau and Arabella must work together to break the curse on the castle before they are both out of time.

Bridge to Bat City. By Ernest Cline. Read by Felicia Day. 2024. 5 hr. Hachette Audio, DD (9781668636305). Gr. 5-8.

In this captivating tale by Ernest Cline, Opal discovers an unlikely kinship with music-loving bats amidst the backdrop of loss and change. Felicia Day's Texas twang in the audiobook infuses it with authentic charm, while added sounds enhance the narrative's vibrancy. A delightful fusion of friendship, music, and courage awaits.

*The Diablo’s Curse. By Gabe Cole Novoa. Read by Vico Ortiz. 2024. 12 hr. Listening Library, DD (9780593795033). Gr. 9-12.

Dami, a demon seeking humanity, must cancel all their deals, but the final deal with Silas complicates things. Ending it would mean Silas’s death. Together, they race to break Silas’s curse before time runs out. The narrator’s natural accent and tone enhance the story, immersing listeners in this gripping world.

*Diet Soda Club. By Chaz Hayden. Read by Michael Crouch. 2024. 8 hr. Listening Library, DD (9780593664346). Gr. 9-12.

This is the story of Reed Beckett and his 10-year-old sister, Beatrice. With their father dead and their mother absent, Reed juggles school and caring for Beatrice, who is often hospitalized. To support them, Reed secretly sells fake IDs with help from Helena, his childhood friend. Michael Crouch’s narration brilliantly captures Reed’s struggles and resilience.

*The Enigma Girls: How Ten Teenagers Broke Ciphers, Kept Secrets, and Helped Win World War II. By Candace Fleming. Read by Moira Quirk. 2024. 4.5 hr. Scholastic Audio, DD (9781546117636). Gr. 5-8.

The Enigma Girls tells the power story of young women who played a crucial role in decoding Nazi messages at Bletchley Park during World War II. Their secretive work helped shift the tide for the Allies. The narrator, Moira Quirk, imbues the events with the gravitas they deserve while still making the story captivating.

*Everything We Never Had. By Randy Ribay. Read by Ramón de Ocampo, Jesse Inocalla, Manny Jacinto & JB Tadena. 2024. 7 hr. Listening Library, DD (9780593866733). Gr. 7-12.

Four generations of Filipino Americans, trying to make their own way, grapple with identity, masculinity, family relationships, and cultural understanding. Each teen has his own narrator and each narrator animates their section to create distinct characters. The story weaves between timelines to let each boy tell his own story.

Flamboyants: The Queer Harlem Renaissance I Wish I’d Known. By George M. Johnson. Read by George M. Johnson. 2024. 2.5 hr. Macmillan Audio, DD (9781250354006). Gr. 10-12.

Johnson uses personal narrative essays to explore the lives of several key Harlem Renaissance figures. The audiobook intersperses musical snippets of the time, adding to the setting by developing the atmosphere. Johnson brings to light queer history in a way that will quickly connect with listeners.

For Girls Who Walk Through Fire. By Kim DeRose. Read by Mia Hutchinson-Shaw. 2024.10.5 hr. Dreamscape Media, DD (9781666647594). Gr. 9-12.

Frustrated with her support group of sexual assault survivors, Elliot rebels and creates a coven of witches whose intention is to use their magic to get back at their attackers. This powerful journey of what it looks like to heal is solidly brought to life by Hutchinson-Shaw’s narration.

Free Period. By Ali Terese. Read by Josephine Huang and Cassandra Morris. 2024. 7 hr. Scholastic Audio, DD (9781546117674). Gr. 3-7.

Notorious pranksters Helen and Gracie are using their skills to help bring period products to all bathrooms in their middle school. The two quickly learn that it will take more than pranks to achieve their goal. Helen and Gracie’s wildly different personalities are expertly conveyed by the reading of Huang and Morris.

Heir. By Sabaa Tahir. Read by Vidish Athavale, Esme Lonsdale, Joe Pitts, Marco Young & Rachel Petladwala. 2024. 18 hr. Listening Library, DD (9780593867594). Gr. 9-12.

Heir is a follow-up to the popular fantasy series An Ember in the Ashes, introducing readers to a new generation of characters facing a mysterious murderer and an invading army. Rich in oral storytelling traditions, this gripping tale is ideal for audio format, brought to life by a full cast of narrators.

Into the Sunken City. By Dinesh Thiru. Read by Rasha Zamamiri. 2024. 10 hr. HarperAudio, DD (9780063310544). Gr. 8-12.

In a world submerged in water, a girl must face her fears to care for her sister, embarking on a perilous treasure hunt through the underwater ruins of Las Vegas. The audiobook’s narration vividly brings the story to life, immersing listeners in a familiar yet hauntingly transformed aquatic world.

It Came From the Trees. By Ally Russell. Read by Shayna Small. 2024. 6 hr. Listening Library, DD (9780593865583). Gr. 5-8.

It Came From the Trees is an exciting tale of a girl searching for her missing friend while being hunted by a creature in the woods. The narrator’s enunciation, use of onomatopoeia, and chilling tone enhance the suspense. A perfect listen for fans of Daka Hermon and Claribel A. Ortega.

It Found Us. By Lindsay Currie. Read by Dara Rosenberg. 2023. 6 hr. Tantor Audio, DD (9798350836608). Gr. 5-8.

Hazel Woods, an aspiring vlogger, joins her brother in a late-night cemetery game of hide-and-seek, but when a boy vanishes, guilt drives them to secretly help search. Something sinister lingers in the cemetery and haunts them beyond its gates. This chilling tale, enhanced by Dara Rosenberg’s vivid narration, captivates younger teens with thrills and sibling dynamics.

Louder Than Hunger. By John Schu. Read by Jeff Ebner and John Schu. 2024. 3.75 hr. Listening Library, DD (9780593943021). Gr. 5-9.

When Jake's disordered eating lands him in a residential treatment facility, he is forced to confront the feelings and traumatic experiences that created the voice in his head commanding him not to eat. Ebner's dramatic and compassionate narration deepens the story's emotional resonance, allowing for greater empathy.

*My Salty Mary. By Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows. Read by Nneka Okoye. 2024. 10 hr. HarperAudio, DD (9780063308855). Gr. 8-12.

In My Salty Mary, a mermaid-turned-pirate fights to captain a ship and become Pirate Queen after Blackbeard’s death. Mary’s fierce determination fuels her pirate ambitions, defying all who doubt her. The narrator skillfully varies tone and pitch, creating engaging character distinctions that enhance the story’s vibrant and adventurous spirit.

The Night Ends With Fire. By K.X. Song. Read by Natalie Naudus. 2024. 12.5 hr. Listening Library, DD (9780593870433). Adult

The Night Ends With Fire reimagines the story of Mulan. To escape an arranged marriage, Meilin disguises herself as a man and joins the army using her father’s conscription notice. There, she discovers new powers and forges new friendships. The narration adds depth to the story, perfectly capturing the essence of the characters.

Only She Came Back. By Margot Harrison. Read by Anna Caputo. 2023. 9 hr. Hachette Audio, DD (9781668632581). Gr. 9-12.

Only She Came Back tells the story of Kiri, the lone survivor of a YouTuber duo’s desert trip, and Sam, her true-crime-obsessed childhood friend. While the world blames Kiri for her boyfriend’s death, Sam uncovers deeper truths. This thriller tackles abuse, teen relationships, and true crime. Anne Caputo’s narration immerses listeners, heightening the tension and emotion.

*Pick the Lock. By A.S. King. Read by Max Meyers, Jorjeana Marie & A.S. King. 2024. 10.75 hr. Listening Library, DD (9780593744390). Gr. 9-12.

This story follows Jane Vandermaker-Cook as she tries to reconnect with her absent mother. Living in a Victorian mansion with her odd family, Jane discovers a lifetime of security footage that changes everything. This innovative audiobook blends music and multiple narrators to create a deeply immersive, emotionally charged experience, mirroring the punk opera Jane is composing.

Plan A. By Deb Caletti. Read by Jorjeana Marie. 2023. 11.5 hr. Listening Library, DD (9780593746325). Gr. 9-12.

Ivy is a pregnant teen who ventures on a cross-country road trip with her boyfriend to get an abortion which is illegal in her state. Along the way she learns about herself and the stories of other women and their choices. The narrator includes a Texas twang in the narration and differentiates voices.

Playing For Keeps. By Jennifer Dugan. Read by Daisy Guevara and Bailey Carr. 2024. 8 hr. Listening Library, DD (9780593864777). Gr. 7-12.

Ivy has dreams of becoming a professional referee and June plans on playing in major league baseball. When forbidden sparks fly between ref and player, will love win out? Ivy and June are both strongly portrayed by alternating narrators, ensuring that each is just as important to the story.

The Reappearance of Rachel Price. By Holly Jackson. Read by Sophie Amoss. 2024. 16.5 hr. Listening Library, DD (9780593863442). Gr. 9-12.

Bel’s mother disappeared 16 years ago,with Bel the only witness. A documentary forces Bel to confront the mystery she’d rather forget, when her mother reappears, alive. Sophie Amoss’s narration convincingly portrays Bel’s confusion as she strives to determine what’s true, what’s a lie, and what is only in her imagination.

Shut Up, This is Serious. By Carolina Ixta. Read by Frankie Corzo. 2024. 10 hr. HarperAudio, DD (9780063287891). Gr. 9-12.

Shut Up, This is Serious explores the complexities teens face daily, from personal struggles to generational cycles. Seventeen-year-old Belén Dolores Itzel del Toro from East Oakland sums it up: “Things are hella complicated.” Frankie Corzo’s narration masterfully brings every character to life with nuanced accents and flawless delivery, making this emotionally rich story truly unforgettable.

*Snowglobe. By Soyoung Park. Read by Shannon Tyo, Greta Jung, and Jeena Yi. Translated by Joungmin Lee Comfort. 2024.10.5 hr. Listening Library, DD (9780593794937). Gr. 7-12.

The only joy in Chobahm's frozen world is 24/7 reality television from the domed paradise of Snowglobe. When Snowglobe’s darling commits suicide, Chobahm takes her place, finding the truth is far from what she imagined. The narrators deftly craft similar, yet unique characters, a balancing act critical to the story.

*Somewhere Beyond the Sea. By TJ Klune. Read by Daniel Henning. 2024. 15.75hr. Macmillan Audio, DD (9781250331601). Adult.

We return to Marsyas Island and Arthur Parnassus' extraordinary children. Arthur’s testimony before the Department in Charge of Magical Youth about his tragic past should have set him free. Instead, it threatens their very future. Daniel Henning brings all of these beloved characters to life with heart and humor.

Sunderworld Vol. I: The Extraordinary Disappointments of Leopold Berry. By Ransom Riggs. Read by Kirby Heyborne. 2024. 10.75 hr. Listening Library, DD (9780593945377). Gr. 9-12.

After pushing his disapproving father to the brink, Leopold Berry experiences surreal visions from his favorite childhood show, "Sunderworld." He discovers the fantasy world is real but isn't the savior he hoped to be. Kirby Hayborne's narration balances the hero's snark with disbelief as he strives to prove himself.

Sunrise Nights. By Jeff Zentner & Brittany Cavallaro. Read by Alexandra Hunter & Michael Crouch. 2024. 7.5 hr. HarperAudio, DD (9780063324565). Gr. 8-12.

Jude and Florence only hang out one night each year, but the bond they build is stronger than anyone could imagine. Each Sunrise Night, the two spend all night exploring the surrounding town and deepening their relationship. The audio cements the artistry of the poetry found in this novel.

*Swarm. By Jennifer D. Lyle. Read by Krystal Hammond. 2023. 10.75 hr. Blackstone Publishing, DD (9798212195775). Gr. 8-12.

A gripping survival tale, Swarm plunges readers into a world ravaged by climate change and butterfly-like monsters invading all continents. Sixteen-year-old Shur, her brothers, and friends are trapped in their suburban home, battling escalating dangers. Narrator Krystal Hammond expertly conveys the characters’ fear, anxiety, and resolve, keeping listeners riveted as they anticipate the next terrifying twist.

That’s Not My Name. By Megan Lally. Read by Sophie Amoss and Robb Moreira. 2023. 9 hr. Recorded Books, DD (9798891784413). Gr. 9-12.

A teen girl wakes up on the side of the road with no memory of who she is. Drew is being accused of murder because his girlfriend is missing and he was the last to see her. Both narrators do an excellent job bringing the emotions of this thrilling story to life, keeping readers engaged.

Till Human Voices Wake Us. By Rebecca Roque. Read by Imani Jade Powers. 2024. 11.5 hr. Blackstone Publishing, DD (9798212338387). Gr. 8-12.

Cia uncovers dark secrets in her town after her best friend’s death, which everyone deems a suicide. This gripping YA mystery tackles topics like teen pregnancy, drug abuse, secret societies, and LGBTQ relationships. The narrator’s expressive performance, complete with natural Spanish dialogue, heightens the story’s tension and depth.

*Twenty-Four Seconds From Now…: A LOVE Story. By Jason Reynolds. Read by Guy Lockard. 2024. 4.5 hr. Simon & Schuster Audio, DD (9781668118689). Gr. 9-12.

High school senior Neon, trapped in his girlfriend Aria’s bathroom and his own thoughts, reflects on their relationship as he prepares for a significant first with her. Well paced and humorous narration highlight the emotional gravity of first love, friendships, family loss, and the uncertainties of life after high school.

Two Sides to Every Murder. By Danielle Valentine. Read by Valerie Rose Lohman, Alex Finke & Hillary Huber. 2024. 8 hr. Listening Library, DD (9780593745328). Gr. 7-9.

After a decade of closure due to a series of murders, Camp Lost Lake reopens, only for new deaths to occur, sparking rumors of a vengeful witch haunting the woods. Olivia and Reagan are determined to uncover the truth. With each main character having their own narrator, the story conveys a rollercoaster of emotions, thoughts, and betrayals.

Under This Red Rock. By Mindy McGinnis. Read by Brittany Pressley. 2024. 9.5 hr. HarperAudio, DD (9780063230446). Gr. 9-12.

Neely is trying to appear "normal" but sometimes isn't always doable, especially with her mental health struggles and the murder of the girl she likes. Neely desperately tries to figure out what happened. The narration enhances the story by helping to highlight the decline of Neely's mental health as the story progresses.

We Shall Be Monsters. By Tara Sim. Read by Deepti Gupta. 2024.13.75 hr. Listening Library, DD (9780593867136). Gr. 7-9.

Kajal has learned how to raise the dead and is determined to bring back her beloved sister. Instead she is forced to raise the crown prince to fight against the brutal overlord. Deepti Gupta voices a unique personality for each character, including 2 sets of twins.

What the River Knows. By Isabel Ibañez. Read by Ahmed Hamad and Ana Osorio. 2023. 16.5 hr. Macmillan Audio, DD (9781250336040). Gr. 9-12.

What the River Knows is a historical fantasy set in 1880s Egypt, brimming with adventure, magic, and mystery. After her parents’ mysterious deaths, Inez journeys to uncover the truth about their disappearance. Narrators Hamad and Osorio expertly convey the characters’ emotions and the story’s tension, bringing this captivating tale to life.

When the World Tips Over. By Jandy Nelson. Read by Michael Crouch, Alex McKenna, Briggon Snow, Caitlin Kinnunen, and Julia Whelan. 2024. 7 hr. Listening Library, DD (9798217019113). Gr. 9-12.

The Fall children are lost. Dizzy's been "friend-dumped", Miles no longer wants to be perfect, and Wynton barrels towards disaster. When tragedy strikes, a mysterious rainbow-haired girl may be the key to healing their fractured lives. With multiple narrators bringing it to life, this book is both immersive and moving.
 

Coordinator: Haley Shaw, Ohio University Zanesville Campus Library, Zanesville, OH;

Bloggers: Sarah Carpenter, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Parma Heights, OH; Kate Covintree, Cranbrook Kingswood Upper School Library, Bloomfield Hills, MI; Jeannine Everett, Briar Woods High School, Ashburn, VA; Lex Ferguson, Galion Public Library, Galion, OH; Stephanie Galvan Russell, Dailey Middle School Library, Austin, TX; Ellen McTyre, Bronxville Public Library, Westchester County, NY; Lorrie Roussin, Luna Middle School Library, San Antonio, TX; Lynda Salem Poling, Long Beach Department of Library, Arts and Culture, Long Beach, CA; Ellen Spring, Rockland School District, Rockland, ME;

The committee would like to acknowledge Ellen Spring. She was a member of our team and helped contribute several wonderful books to our list. She passed away in October. Ellen was a school librarian and actively participated in many ALA committees including the John Newbery Award Selection Committee. We are so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with her and offer our condolences to her family and friends.

Blogging Team Function Statement

To select, annotate, and present for publication an annual list of notable audio recordings significant to young adults from those released in the past two years.

The Team

The Amazing Audiobooks Blogging Team consists of 10 - 15 YALSA members and one Team Lead. Team members are appointed by the Hub's Member Manager and serve a term of one year. Team members may be selected to serve a concurrent, second one-year term based on the member's first year performance and their interest and availability in serving another year, for a total of a two-year maximum concurrent term length on the team. The term of service begins Jan. 1st in the year under consideration and concludes Dec. 31st of that year.

Members who have served two consecutive years as a member and/or administrative assistant may not be appointed to the same team for three years from the conclusion of their last term. This guideline will not apply to the Chair. In extreme circumstances, and at the President’s discretion, an exception may be made if a team member resigns suddenly. The President, after discussion with the Team Lead, may determine that the best course of action is to fill the vacancy with an experienced member, and appoint a member in good standing who successfully served on the blogging team in question during the previous three years.

Team Member Responsibilities

Each team member must be responsible for listening to and ranking the majority of audiobooks submitted for consideration in any year. Members conduct all work virtually and work year-round. Members must participate actively in the work of the team. Specific duties are assigned by the Team Lead. Members must be able to listen to audiobooks in all possible formats, both digital and physical.

Team Lead Responsibilities

The Team Lead presides at all meetings of the group and manages an online work space for the group. It is the responsibility of staff to contact the various audiobook publishers with an explanation of the team’s charge and need for members to receive submissions to be judged for the annual list. The team lead should work with staff to renew efforts each year to increase the number of audiobook publishers who are aware of and involved in this project. The Team Lead is a voting member of the group, with all the rights and responsibilities of the other members. It is also the Team Lead's responsibility to notify team members of times and format/platform for meetings, to compile a list of suggested titles for discussion, and to provide an agenda before each meeting.

Eligibility & Criteria

Eligibility

• All literary genres are eligible for consideration.
• The Team will consider and vote on titles published within the past two calendar years. A title may only be submitted once and cannot be reconsidered the next year.
• Audiobooks must be available for libraries to purchase and lend. This can include a digital format that is available for lending or in a physical format.
• Titles previously published in another country (in any format) will be considered eligible the first year the title is available for libraries to purchase and lend in the US.
• Titles previously unavailable in a format for libraries to purchase and lend will be considered eligible the first year the title is available for libraries to purchase and lend.
• The audiobook is intended for or appeals to young adults, who are defined as persons age 12 to 18; works for this entire age range are to be considered. Adult titles are also eligible for consideration if they have crossover appeal.
• Audiobooks featuring single or full cast narration are eligible.
• The Team Lead, with assistance from designated YALSA staff, is responsible for verifying the eligibility of all nominated titles.
   

Criteria

• Appeal of content to any or all potential listeners between 12 and 18 years old. While the list as a whole addresses the interests and needs of young adults ranging in age from 12 to 18, individual titles may appeal to parts of that range rather than to its whole. Material need not be “family friendly,” or appeal to the youngest common denominator of adults.
• Adapted materials must remain true to, expand, or complement the original work.
• Effective use of voices, music, sound effects, and language.
• Appropriateness of material for audio presentation.
• Suitability of match between performer and text.
• Possible expansion of audience of young adults for a text that has not been readily accessible in its print format to its target audience.
• Professional production quality
• Correct pronunciation of all text words is required, however, a title would not necessarily be disqualified if an error is deemed by the Team to be minor. when evaluating the recording as a whole
• Clarity of recording is required.
• Informative packaging is preferred.
• Curricular suitability can be a positive consideration but is not a requirement for inclusion.

Nominations

The nomination period runs from January 1 to December 1.

The Team Lead will accept nominations throughout the year, as well as suggestions from the field. A suggestion form is available on the YALSA website. Team members may nominate an unlimited number of titles. Team members may recommend to the Team Lead that a particular production company be contacted specifically for review copies of a title that deserves team attention. Neither publishers nor authors may nominate their own titles. The Team Lead will regularly disseminate a list of nominated titles to group members. Each nomination must have been heard by at least one group member in its entirety.

Team members are encouraged to solicit the opinions of young adults on titles being considered for nomination.

Selection Process

A simple majority vote will determine the winners.

The final list, with annotations written by the team, will be complete by Dec. 31. The list will be made available on The Hub and in the Teen Book Finder Database.

Meeting Procedures

Voting Process

At the discretion of the Team Lead, straw votes may be conducted periodically. The sole purpose of such voting is to guide discussion by revealing levels of support for individual titles.

Amazing Audiobooks List

The final list of recommended titles numbers between 25 and 30 and addresses the wide scope of interests and concerns of listeners between 12 and 18. No one title need address the interests of all listeners in this range, but the list as a whole must offer a balance of developmental levels, intellectual concerns, and experiential backgrounds. Each year’s submissions for consideration must have been produced or released within the 24 months previous to the list’s release at Midwinter. The list is to be annotated, with the annotations reflecting both the content of the audiobook and the performance quality through which the production company enhances any print on which the production is based. An audiobook produced and released close to Midwinter may be eligible for reconsideration in the following year if fewer than ¾ of committee members have had the opportunity to review it between its submission and the final selection meeting of the term.

Diversity

Librarianship focuses on individuals, in all their diversity, and that focus is a fundamental value of the Young Adult Library Services Association and its members. Diversity is, thus, honored in the Association and in the collections and services that libraries provide to young adults.

These procedures will be subject to review, and possible revision by the YALSA Board of Directors following the first two years of implementation. Revised, 01/08. Revised, 11/14.

2024 Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults

2023 Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults

2023 Top Ten Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults

2022 Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults

2022 Top Ten Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults

2021 Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults

2021 Top Ten Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults

2020 Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults

2020 Top Ten Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults

2019 Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults

2019 Top Ten Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults

2018 Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults

2018 Top Ten Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults

2017 Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults

2017 Top Ten Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults

2016 Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults

2016 Top Ten Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults

2015 Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults

2015 Top Ten Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults

2014 Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults

2014 Top Ten Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults

2013 Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults

2013 Top Ten Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults

2012 Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults

2012 Top Ten Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults

2011 Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults

2011 Top Ten Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults