AudioFile Magazine curated this audiobook list exclusively for The Children’s Book Review.
These Earphones Award-winning audiobooks for teens take on tough issues—in both real-life settings and fantastical worlds. Each is told by the singular voice of a skilled, tuned-in narrator whose performance engages the listener seemingly effortlessly. And because these narrators are real people who are also living the human experience, they bring authentic hope and heart to these compelling, relatable stories.
Best New Audiobooks for Teens
Sisters in the Wind
Written by Angeline Boulley
Read by Isabella Star LaBlanc
AudioFile Earphones Award
Macmillan Audio | 12.5 hrs. | Ages 14-18
Isabella Star LaBlanc provides a superior narration of Boulley’s third YA novel. LaBlanc portrays young, openhearted Lucy, who responds lovingly to her father’s protective care. Later, after horrific experiences in the foster care system, she grows into a fighter and a sleuth. LaBlanc’s narration propels this mystery with nonstop tension as listeners anticipate the meeting of the two time periods and hope for a satisfying resolution to Lucy’s troubles. Review»
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All the Tomorrows After
Written by Joanne Yi
Read by Greta Jung
AudioFile Earphones Award
Simon & Schuster Audio | 11.75 hrs. | Ages 14+
Greta Jung’s narration quickly establishes the reasons for 17-year-old Korean American Winter Moon’s sarcasm. Her tone becomes understandable when Winter’s selfish, caustic mother comes into the picture. Jung also depicts Winter’s tenderness toward her loving grandmother, Halmoni, and her heartbreak at Halmoni’s death. These are only some of Jung’s portrayals of complex characters and complicated relationships in this coming-of-age story. Jung’s deep portraits of all these relationships make for a propelling listen. Review»
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Come as You Are
Written by Dahlia Adler
Read by Mia Hutchinson-Shaw
AudioFile Earphones Award
Spotify Audiobooks | 9.25 hrs. | Ages 13-18
Mia Hutchinson-Shaw delivers a heartfelt performance of this quirky YA romance. Evie is tired of being the nice girl. At her new boarding school, she asks her dorm mate, Salem, an easygoing slacker, to help her become cool. In exchange, Evie will help Salem become a model student. They grow closer, but Evie is harboring a secret. While Evie is depicted as a young woman discovering her adventurous side, Hutchinson-Shaw also conveys her vulnerabilities with tenderness. Review»
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Among Ghosts
Written by Rachel Hartman
Read by Will Watt
AudioFile Earphones Award
Listening Library | 12 hrs. | Ages 12+
Will Watt’s warm, empathetic performance makes this a must-listen. Watt flawlessly moves from character to character, giving each a distinct, instantly recognizable voice and keeping listeners spellbound as the action unfolds. Charl’s unassuming town of St. Muckle’s is besieged—first by disease-carrying beetles and then by a dragon—all in an effort to return Charl to his father, an abusive earl. Watt expertly steers the story as the many threads come together, revealing themes of family, kindness, identity, belonging, and redemption. Review»
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When We Ride
Written by Rex Ogle
Read by Ramón de Ocampo
AudioFile Earphones Award
Recorded Books | 3.5 hrs. | Ages 14-18
Golden Voice Ramón de Ocampo, who narrated each of the author’s memoirs, delivers this hard-hitting YA novel in verse. De Ocampo guides listeners on their emotional journey, using the genre’s rhythms to illuminate the relationship between high school seniors Diego and his best friend, Lawson. De Ocampo captures the story’s highs and lows—from the teenage bliss of riding in a car with a friend to the reality of confronting a violent drug dealer. De Ocampo’s narration balances lyrical writing and a gritty story. 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, BlueSky @audiofilemagazine.bsky.social, Facebook @audiofilemagazine, and Instagram @AudioFileMagazine
