AudioFile Magazine for The Children’s Book Review
Best New Audiobooks for Teens
AudioFile’s Editors are featuring five audiobooks for teen listeners this month, with spellbinding fantasy, swoon-worthy romances, and an insightful new nonfiction audiobook about making the world a better place. AudioFile has also announced the 2023 Audiobook SYNC lineup, with free audiobooks for teens all summer long — including Alice Oseman’s LOVELESS, Katherine Locke’s THIS REBEL HEART, and more! Learn all about the program & the excellent free audiobooks at www.audiofilemagazine.com.
When the Angels Left the Old Country
Story by Sacha Lamb
Read by Donald Corren
Recorded Books | 9 hrs. | Ages 12+ | AudioFile Earphones Award
Actor Donald Corren brings his vocal skills to this tale of an angel and a demon who leave the shtetl for America to do a mitzvah and to seek excitement. Their fortunes become entangled with a human girl’s in an adventure that balances laugh-out-loud humor, Jewish tradition, and gentle affirmation of queer identities. Corren expertly manages it all with his Yiddish-inflected tones bringing forth indelible characters. A thorough delight honored with this year’s 2023 Stonewall Award, the Sydney Taylor Award, and a Printz Honor. Review »
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Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute
Story by Talia Hibbert
Read by Amina Koroma and Jonathan Andrew Hume
Listening Library | 9.25 hrs. | Ages 13+
Amina Koroma and Jonathan Andrew Hume bring liveliness and charm to this utterly delightful YA debut from a beloved British romance author. Koroma delivers all the snark and wit of Celine, a stellar student ready to take on the world—starting with winning a wilderness survival expedition. Unfortunately, her ex-best-friend-now-rival Brad joins as well, and he is being way too cute. Hume captures Brad’s sweet charm, and listeners are certain to laugh, cheer, and root for the two to find their way back into each other’s hearts. Review »
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Demon in the Wood: A Shadow and Bone Graphic Novel
Story by Leigh Bardugo
Read by Ben Barnes, Sean Gormley, Mary McCartney, Eason Rytter, Salli Saffioti, Benjamin Valic, Tom Bromhead, James Fouhey, Matt Leisy, and Cassandra Morris
Macmillan Audio | 1 hr. | Ages 15+ | AudioFile Earphones Award
A full cast of talented narrators taps into the darkly magical atmosphere of Bardugo’s graphic novel prequel to the Shadow and Bone trilogy. Ben Barnes depicts the villainous Darkling when he was known as Eryk, a young teen who hungered for companionship and stability. With a richly resonant voice, Barnes sympathetically portrays Eryk’s desire for acceptance while also hinting at his potential for ruthlessness. Supporting narrators give voice to a wide range of villagers, and an evocative soundscape further enhances this spellbinding 2023 Odyssey Honor audiobook. Review »
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Nick and Charlie: A Heartstopper Novella
Story by Alice Oseman
Read by Joe Jameson, David Stagg
Scholastic Audiobooks | 2 hrs. | Ages 14+
Narrators Joe Jameson and David Stagg tenderly deliver this touching audiobook that’s an essential listen for fans of the Heartstopper series. Nick, voiced by Stagg with optimistic confidence, can’t stop talking about how excited he is to start university. Charlie, voiced by Jameson with breathy uncertainty, fears facing his last year in high school without his boyfriend. Nick can’t tell what’s going on as Charlie’s anxiety spirals out of control, and the two wonder if their relationship can survive long distance. Review »
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Better than We Found It: Conversations to Help Save the World
Story by Frederick Joseph and Porsche Joseph
Read by Cary Hite and Deanna Anthony
Blackstone Audio | 13.75 hrs. | Ages 12+
Narrating this highly personal nonfiction audiobook about the biggest social issues of our day, Cary Hite and Deanna Anthony are in sync with the authors and their important message. The narrators take turns delivering the chapters and provide the panache needed for listeners to absorb these perspectives. Each chapter includes interviews with people relevant to the chapter’s focus. From discrimination to gun violence, health care to climate change, this is an important audio for those wanting to make the world a better place. Review »
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The article Best New Audiobooks for Teens 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.
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