What Are We Looking Forward To? Fall Edition
Fall is the time when the audio start pouring in. The Odyssey Committee members are surely in the thick of listening their heads off. Here are some that peaked our interest.
Childrens (Birth- 12 yrs)
Sarah
- The War I Finally Won, by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, read by Jayne Entwistle. Listening Library. If you’ve listened to The War That Saved My Life, you’ll know why I’m looking forward to this one. Jayne Entwistle is such a star–I can barely wait to go on this new journey with Ada and Jamie!
- Patina, by Jason Reynolds, read by Heather Alicia Simms. Simon & Schuster Audio. I completely fell in love with the kids from Ghost, the first book in this series, and I’m so excited to see what is in store for Patty. Heather Alicia Simms did such a wonderful job in Stella by Starlight, and it will be great to see how she approaches Patina.
- Trombone Shorty, written and read by Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews. Live Oak Media. I am so looking forward to listening to this audiobook, especially because we’ll get to hear Troy Andrews reading his own words and playing the trumpet, too!
Natalie
- The Stars Beneath Our Feet, by David Barclay Moore, read by David Barclay Moore and Nile Bullock. Listening Library. I’m a sucker for a character who loves Legos, and I am especially interested in how author David Barclay Moore and young actor Nile Bullock will share the narration.
- Click’d, by Tamara Ireland Stone, read by Suzy Jackson. Recorded Books. I’m interested to see how this middle grade story of friendship and coding works as an audiobook, and to see what kind of range narrator Suzy Jackson can bring to the cast of characters.
- Preaching to the Chickens: the Story of Young John Lewis, by Jabari Asim, read by Kevin R. Free. Recorded Books. Having heard Representative John Lewis speak eloquently about his childhood and the lessons it taught him, I am eager to see how this picture book and accompanying narration bring young John Lewis to life.
Lizzie
- Danza!: Amalia Hernandez and El Ballet Folklorico de Mexico, by Duncan Tonatiuh, read by Adriana Sananes. Dreamscape Media. This picture book is full of rhythm and music, so I’m excited to hear the production choices. Sananes’ voice also accompanied another memorable rhythmic book Drum Dream Girl by Margarita Engle.
- Orphan Island, by Laurel Snyder read by Kim Mai Guest. HarperAudio. I think Mai Guest’s gentle and ethereal voice might pair nicely with tender and mysterious middle grade novel. I really enjoyed Mai Guest’s other work with audios with similar vibes.
- Refugee, by Alan Gratz, read by Michael Goldstrom, Kyla Garcia, Assaf Cohen. Scholastic Audio. Three narrators tackle a necessary and difficult subject. Gratz’s nonfiction is engaging so I’m interested to see how three different styles for three stories come together.
Teen/YA (12yrs – 19yrs)
Sarah
- Solo, by Kwame Alexander, read by Kwame Alexander & Mary Rand Hess, with music by Randy Preston. Zondervan. Kwame Alexander’s books are meant to be read, to be shouted, to be sung. The mention of music for this book is more intriguing than ever. I can barely wait to listen!
- Before the Devil Breaks You, by Libba Bray, read by January LaVoy. Listening Library. Yes, it’s over 21 hours, but it’s Libba Bray and January LaVoy! January LaVoy has garnered many accolades for the previous books in this remarkable series, and I’m excited to find out if this one will be just as good.
- Gem & Dixie, by Sara Zarr, read by Julia Whelan. HarperAudio. This was a spring release, but I haven’t had a chance to listen yet, and I don’t want to wait any more! Julia Whelan is a huge favorite of mine, and this book seems like it will be the perfect fit for her.
Natalie
- Miles Morales, by Jason Reynolds, read by Guy Lockard. Listening Library. I am a sucker for Lockard’s spirited and uninhibited narrative style, and I’m very excited to see how it meshes with this novel about an ordinary Brooklyn teen can embrace his destiny as Spider-man.
- Genuine Fraud, by E. Lockhart, read by Rebecca Soler. Listening Library. E. Lockhart’s novels always pack an emotional punch, and Soler, fresh from Odyssey Honor title Nimona, definitely has the chops for whatever Lockhart can bring.
- The Upside of Unrequited, by Becky Albertalli, read by Arielle Delisle. HarperAudio. Becky Albertalli has had some serious teen book hits in recent years. While I am not familiar with Arielle Delisle as a narrator, the part I have heard so far seems wry and winning, so I look forward to hearing more.
Lizzie
- Turtles All the Way Down, by John Green, narrated Kate Rudd. Listening Library. Can’t deny that I have soft spot for the John Green and Kate Rudd pairing. I know many of patrons are looking for this release so I’m curious to see where it lands as Odyssey contender.
- They Both Die At the End, by Adam Silvera, narrated by Michael Crouch , Robbie Daymond , Bahni Turpin. HarperAudio. This debut has some heavy hitters giving it voice. Pretty familiar with the repertoire of all three of narrators, so I’m always interested when they come together.
- The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue, by Mackenzi Lee, narrated Christian Coulson. HarperAudio. I’m super into the concept of this book: a historic romantic adventure with LQBTQ characters. In the sample I heard, Coulson’s British accent seems like a promising match for a decadent and heartwarming tale.
Ears on the Odyssey 
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