AUDIOBOOK OF THE YEAR
Piranesi
by Susanna Clarke
Narrated by Chiwetel Ejiofor, published by Bloomsbury PLC
Piranesi lives in the House. Perhaps he always has. In his notebooks, day after day, he makes a clear and careful record of its wonders: the labyrinth of halls, the thousands upon thousands of statues, the tides that thunder up staircases, the clouds that move in slow procession through the upper halls. On Tuesdays and Fridays Piranesi sees his friend, the Other. But mostly, he is alone.
Author judges Jennifer Egan, Tommy Orange, and David Sedaris chose Piranesi for several reasons. “The reading is a triumph of tone… one of the best readings of contemporary literature that I have ever listened to,” said Egan. “I have already recommended it to several people, including my 18-year-old son and 82-year-old mother.” Sedaris noted: “I think the reading perfectly complements the author's intent. The characterization is complex, and Chiwetel Ejiofor's voice is appropriately naive and full of wonder.” Orange stated: “When the book got darker and more thrilling, and as the mystery at the center of the novel was revealed, Chiwetel Ejiofor moved the story along beautifully.”
Finalist Titles
The Decision: Overcoming Today's BS for Tomorrow's Success, written and narrated by Kevin Hart, published by Audible Originals
More Myself, written and narrated by Alicia Keys, published by Macmillan Audio
The Mountains Sing by Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai, narrated by Quyen Ngo, published by Dreamscape Media LLC
We're Better Than This by Elijah Cummings with James Dale, narrated by Nancy Pelosi, Laurence Fishburne, and Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, published by HarperAudio
AUDIO DRAMA
Doctor Who - Stranded 1
by Matt Fitton, David K Barnes, Lisa McMullin, John Dorney
Performed by Paul McGann, Nicola Walker, Hattie Morahan, Rebecca Root, Tom Price, Tom Baker, published by Big Finish Productions
The TARDIS is gone. Stranded in one time and place, the Doctor, Liv and Helen seek refuge in Baker Street. But the house has changed: they now have neighbours – not all of them welcoming. And someone has a dire warning for the future. The Doctor and friends face their greatest challenge yet: living one day after another, in 2020 London.
Finalist Titles
ATA Girl 2 by Helen Goldwyn and Louise Jameson, performed by Cory Chambers, Kate Copeland, Amy Downham, Helen Goldwyn, Holly Jackson Walters, Louise Jameson, Wilf Scolding, and Elinor Lawless, published by Big Finish Productions
Come Find Me by Erin Mallon, performed by Cynthia Darlow, Jonathan Davis, Caitlin Kelly, Erin Mallon, and Thérèse Plummer, published by Erin Mallon
The Ernie Pyle Experiment! by Michael Brainard and script editor Russell McGee, performed by Michael Brainard, Greta Lind, Kate Braun, Andrew Bowen, Josh Hogan, Tim Grimm, Peter Spellos, and a full cast, published by WFIU Public Radio
Frankenstein: A Stage Adaptation, adapted by A.S. Peterson, performed by Jared Reinfeldt, Euriamis Losada, Henry O. Arnold, Kim Bretton, Morgan Davis, Matt Rose, Micah Williams, Brooks Bennett, Austin Olive, and Garris Wimmer, published by Oasis Audio
AUTOBIOGRAPHY/MEMOIR
The Autobiography of Malcolm X: As Told to Alex Haley
by Malcolm X, Alex Haley
Narrated by Laurence Fishburne, published by Audible, Inc.
In the searing pages of this classic autobiography, originally published in 1964, Malcolm X, the Muslim leader, firebrand, and anti-integrationist, tells the extraordinary story of his life and the growth of the Black Muslim movement. Laurence Fishburne breathes spirit into this definitive statement of the movement and the man.
Finalist Titles
Becoming Duchess Goldblatt by Anonymous, narrated by Read by Gabra Zackman, featuring J. Smith-Cameron and Lyle Lovett, published by HMH Audio
Mr. New Orleans: The Life of a Big Easy Underworld Legend by Frenchy Brouillette and Matthew Randazzo V, narrated by Louis Herthum, published by Sound Off Productions
Sigh, Gone, written and narrated by Phuc Tran, published by Macmillan Audio
Uncanny Valley by Anna Wiener, narrated by Suehyla El-Attar, published by Macmillan Audio
BEST FEMALE NARRATOR
The City We Became
by N.K. Jemisin
Narrated by Robin Miles, published by Hachette Audio
In Manhattan, a young grad student gets off the train and realizes he doesn't remember who he is, where he's from, or even his own name. But he can sense the beating heart of the city, see its history, and feel its power. Every great city has a soul. Some are ancient as myths, and others are as new and destructive as children. New York? She's got six.
Finalist Titles
The Color Purple by Alice Walker, narrated by Samira Wiley, published by Audible Studios
The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante, translated by Ann Goldstein, narrated by Marisa Tomei, published by Penguin Random House Audio
One by One by Ruth Ware, narrated by Imogen Church, published by Simon & Schuster Audio
Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid, narrated by Nicole Lewis, published by Penguin Random House Audio
BEST MALE NARRATOR
The Autobiography of Malcolm X: As Told to Alex Haley
by Malcolm X, Alex Haley
Narrated by Laurence Fishburne, published by Audible, Inc.
In the searing pages of this classic autobiography, originally published in 1964, Malcolm X, the Muslim leader, firebrand, and anti-integrationist, tells the extraordinary story of his life and the growth of the Black Muslim movement. Laurence Fishburne breathes spirit into this definitive statement of the movement and the man.
Finalist Titles
All the Devils Are Here by Louise Penny, narrated by Robert Bathurst, published by Macmillan Audio
The Glimme by Emily Rodda and Marc McBride, narrated by Andrew Scott, published by Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman, narrated by J.K. Simmons, published by Simon & Schuster Audio
Squeeze Me by Carl Hiaasen, narrated by Scott Brick, published by Penguin Random House Audio
BUSINESS/PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
The Gift: 12 Lessons to Save Your Life
by Dr. Edith Eva Eger
Narrated by Tovah Feldshuh, published by Simon & Schuster Audio
Eger’s powerful first book, The Choice, told the story of her survival in the concentration camps. Here she expands on her message of healing and provides a hands-on guide that gently encourages us to change the thoughts and behaviors that may be keeping us imprisoned in the past. Eger explains that the worst prison she experienced is not the prison that Nazis put her in but the one she created for herself, the prison within her own mind.
Finalist Titles
How I Built This: The Unexpected Paths to Success from the World's Most Inspiring Entrepreneurs, written and narrated by Guy Raz, published by Audible Studios
Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter, written and narrated by Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, published by HarperAudio
Improvise! by Max Dickins, narrated by Steve West, published by Brilliance Publishing
Tools of Titans: The Tactics, Routines, and Habits of Billionaires, Icons, and World-Class Performers by Tim Ferriss, narrated by Tim Ferris, Ryan Holiday, Kevin Rose, Jocko Willink, Tim Kreider, Ralph Potts, Mike Delaponte, Kaleo Griffith, Ray Porter, and Thérèse Plummer, published by Audible Studios
FAITH-BASED FICTION & NON-FICTION
Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire
by Jen Hatmaker
Narrated by Jen Hatmaker, published by Thomas Nelson
No more hiding or people-pleasing up in here, sisters. No more being sidelined in your own life. It is time for us to be brave, to claim our gifts and quirks and emotions. You are set free and set up and set on fire. Now you can get busy doing what you were placed on this planet to do.
Finalist Titles
Chasing Vines, written and narrated by Beth Moore, published by Oasis Audio
Cliff Falls: The Missing Pieces Edition by C. B. Shiepe, narrated by Santino Fontana, published by Cliff Falls Media, Inc.
Old School Love, written and narrated by Joseph "Rev Run" Simmons and Justine Simmons, published by HarperAudio
The Power of Favor, written and narrated by Joel Osteen, published by Hachette Audio
FANTASY
The City We Became
by N.K. Jemisin
Narrated by Robin Miles, published by Hachette Audio
In Manhattan, a young grad student gets off the train and realizes he doesn't remember who he is, where he's from, or even his own name. But he can sense the beating heart of the city, see its history, and feel its power. Every great city has a soul. Some are ancient as myths, and others are as new and destructive as children. New York? She's got six.
Finalist Titles
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune, narrated by Daniel Henning, published by Macmillan Audio
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab, narrated by Julia Whelan, published by Macmillan Audio
The Last Smile in Sunder City, written and narrated by Luke Arnold, published by Hachette Audio
Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko, narrated by Joniece Abbott-Pratt, published by Blackstone Publishing
FICTION
Such a Fun Age
by Kiley Reid
Narrated by Nicole Lewis, published by Penguin Random House Audio
Alix Chamberlain is a woman who has made a living with her confidence-driven brand. She is shocked when her babysitter, Emira Tucker, is confronted while watching the Chamberlains' toddler one night in their local high-end supermarket. The store's security guard, seeing a young Black woman out late with a White child, accuses Emira of kidnapping two-year-old Briar. A small crowd gathers, a bystander films everything, and Emira is furious and humiliated. Alix resolves to make things right.
Finalist Titles
Big Lies in a Small Town by Diane Chamberlain, narrated by Susan Bennett, published by Macmillan Audio
The Last Story of Mina Lee by Nancy Jooyoun Kim, narrated by Greta Jung, published by HarperAudio
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig, narrated by Carey Mulligan, published by Canongate Books UK / Penguin Random House Audio US
Sex and Vanity by Kevin Kwan, narrated by Lydia Look, published by Penguin Random House Audio
HISTORY/BIOGRAPHY
His Truth Is Marching On: John Lewis and the Power of Hope
by Jon Meacham
Narrated by JD Jackson, published by Penguin Random House Audio
An intimate and revealing portrait of civil rights icon and longtime US congressman John Lewis, linking his life to the painful quest for justice in America from the 1950s to the present. Lewis was arguably a saint in our time, risking limb and life to bear witness for the powerless in the face of the powerful.
Finalist Titles
The Dead Are Arising by Les Payne and Tamara Payne, narrated by Dion Graham, published by Recorded Books
Deep Delta Justice by Matthew Van Meter, narrated by Brad Sanders, published by Hachette Audio
J.R.R. Tolkien: The Making of a Legend by Colin Duriez, narrated by Simon Vance, published by Oasis Audio
Just Us: An American Conversation by Claudia Rankine, narrated by Janina Edwards, published by Audible Studios
The Lincoln Conspiracy by Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch, narrated by Scott Brick, published by Macmillan Audio
HUMOR
A Very Punchable Face
by Colin Jost
Narrated by Colin Jost, published by Penguin Random House Audio
In these hilarious essays, the Saturday Night Live head writer and Weekend Update co-anchor learns how to take a beating. From growing up in a family of firefighters on Staten Island to commuting three hours a day to high school, to attending Harvard while Facebook was created, Jost shares how he has navigated the world like a slightly smarter Forrest Gump.
Finalist Titles
The New One, written and narrated by Mike Birbiglia and J. Hope Stein, published by Hachette Audio
Nothing Like I Imagined, written and narrated by Mindy Kaling, published by Brilliance Publishing
Small Doses, written and narrated by Amanda Seales, published by Audible Studios
Surrender, White People! by D.L. Hughley and Doug Moe, narrated by D.L. Hughley, published by HarperAudio
Wow, No Thank You, written and narrated by Samantha Irby, published by Penguin Random House Audio
LITERARY FICTION & CLASSICS
The Death of Vivek Oji
by Akwaeke Emezi
Narrated by Yetide Badaki, Chukwudi Iwuji, published by Penguin Random House Audio
What does it mean for a family to lose a child they never really knew? One afternoon, in a town in Southeastern Nigeria, a mother opens her front door to discover her son's body, wrapped in colorful fabric, at her feet. What follows is the tumultuous, heart-wrenching story of one family’s struggle to understand a child whose spirit is both gentle and mysterious.
Finalist Titles
The Color Purple by Alice Walker, narrated by Samira Wiley, published by Audible Studios
Deacon King Kong by James McBride, narrated by Dominic Hoffman, published by Penguin Random House Audio
Pew by Catherine Lacey, narrated by Bahni Turpin, published by Brilliance Publishing
These Ghosts Are Family by Maisy Card, narrated by Karl O’Brian Williams, published by Simon & Schuster Audio
MIDDLE GRADE
The Good Hawk
by Joseph Elliott
Narrated by Gary Furlong, Fiona Hardingham, published by Brilliance Publishing
In a mythic Scotland, two unlikely heroes must make a dangerous journey to save their people. Agatha is a Hawk, brave and fierce, who protects her people by patrolling the high walls of their island home. Jaime, thoughtful and anxious, is an Angler, but he hates the sea. Worse, he’s been chosen for a duty that the clan hasn’t required for generations: to marry.
Finalist Titles
Genesis Begins Again, written and narrated by Alicia D. Williams, published by Simon & Schuster Audio
King and the Dragonflies by Kacen Callender, narrated by Ron Butler, published by Scholastic Audio
Say Her Name by Zetta Elliott, narrated by Channie Waites, published by Recorded Books
Shuri: A Black Panther Novel, Book 1 by Nic Stone, narrated by Anika Noni Rose, published by Scholastic Audio
We Dream of Space by Erin Entrada Kelly, narrated by Ramon de Ocampo, published by HarperAudio
MULTI-VOICED PERFORMANCE
Clap When You Land
by Elizabeth Acevedo
Narrated by Elizabeth Acevedo, Melania-Luisa Marte, published by HarperAudio
In a novel-in-verse that brims with grief and love, National Book Award-winning and New York Times best-selling author Elizabeth Acevedo writes about the devastation of loss, the difficulty of forgiveness, and the bittersweet bonds that shape our lives. Acevedo, also an award-winning narrator, narrates along with Melania-Luisa Marte.
Finalist Titles
How the Penguins Saved Veronica by Hazel Prior, narrated by Helen Lloyd, Andrew Fallaize, and Mandy Williams, published by Penguin Random House Audio
No Name by Wilkie Collins, narrated by Nicholas Boulton, Lucy Scott, Rachel Atkins, David Rintoul, Russell Bentley, and John Foley, published by Naxos AudioBooks c/o Naxos of America, Inc.
The Switch by Beth O'Leary, narrated by Daisy Edgar-Jones and Alison Steadman, published by Macmillan Audio
The Trial of the Chicago 7, edited by Mark L. Levine, George C. McNamee, and Daniel L. Greenberg, narrated by J.K. Simmons, Jeff Daniels, Chris Jackson, Corey Stoll, John Hawkes, Chris Chalk, Luke Kirby, Norbert Leo Butz, George Newbern, and a full cast, published by Simon & Schuster Audio
Women Who Wrote by Louisa May Alcott, Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, Emily Bronte, Gertrude Stein, and Phillis Wheatley, narrated by Chloe Dolandis, Jude Mason, and Tyra Kennedy, published by Thomas Nelson
MYSTERY
Fair Warning
by Michael Connelly
Narrated by Peter Giles, Zach Villa, published by Hachette Audio
Veteran reporter Jack McEvoy has taken down killers before, but when a woman he had a one-night stand with is murdered in a particularly brutal way, McEvoy realizes he might be facing a criminal mind unlike any he's ever encountered. Uncovering the murkiest corners of the dark web, Jack races to find and protect the last source who can lead him to his quarry.
Finalist Titles
A Bad Day for Sunshine by Darynda Jones, narrated by Lorelei King, published by Macmillan Audio
Confessions on the 7:45 by Lisa Unger, narrated by Vivienne Leheny, published by HarperAudio
The Guest List by Lucy Foley, narrated by Chloe Massey, Olivia Dowd, Sarah Ovens, Rich Keeble, Aoife McMahon, and Jot Davies, published by HarperAudio
Trouble Is What I Do by Walter Mosley, narrated by Dion Graham, published by Hachette Audio
NARRATION BY THE AUTHOR or AUTHORS
More Myself
by Alicia Keys
Narrated by Alicia Keys, published by Macmillan Audio
In More Myself, Alicia shares her quest for truth - about herself, her past, and her shift from sacrificing her spirit to celebrating her worth. This is at once a riveting account and a clarion call to listeners: To define themselves in a world that rarely encourages a true and unique identity. This program is read by Alicia Keys, with special guest appearances by family and friends, including Oprah Winfrey, Jay-Z, and Michelle Obama.
Finalist Titles
Acid for the Children, written and narrated by Flea, published by Hachette Audio
Hollywood Park, written and narrated by Mikel Jollett, published by Macmillan Audio
Homie: Poems, written and narrated by Danez Smith, published by HighBridge Audio, a division of Recorded Books
In Dependence, written and narrated by Sarah Ladipo Manyika, published by Recorded Books
Little Weirds, written and narrated by Jenny Slate, published by Hachette Audio
NON-FICTION
Fire in Paradise
by Alastair Gee, Dani Anguiano
Narrated by T. Ryder Smith, published by Recorded Books
There is no precedent in postwar American history for the destruction of the town of Paradise, California. On November 8, 2018, the community of 27,000 people was swallowed by the ferocious Camp Fire, which razed virtually every home and killed at least 85 people. Fire in Paradise is a dramatic and moving narrative of the disaster based on hundreds of in-depth interviews with residents, firefighters and police, and scientific experts.
Finalist Titles
If You Tell by Gregg Olsen, narrated by Karen Peakes, published by Brilliance Publishing
Rage by Bob Woodward, narrated by Robert Petkoff, published by Simon & Schuster Audio
Tightrope: Americans Reaching for Hope by Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, narrated by Jennifer Garner, published by Penguin Random House Audio
Wandering in Strange Lands, written and narrated by Morgan Jerkins, published by HarperAudio
ORIGINAL WORK
When You Finish Saving the World
by Jesse Eisenberg
Narrated by Kaitlyn Dever, Jesse Eisenberg, Finn Wolfhard, published by Audible Originals
From playwright, author, and Oscar-nominated actor Jesse Eisenberg, this tells the moving story of three individuals working to understand each other and themselves: Nathan, a father learning to connect with his newborn son; Rachel, a young college student seeking to find her place; and Ziggy, their son, a teenager hoping to figure out where he came from.
Finalist Titles
Barack Obama: The 60 Minutes Interviews by Steve Kroft, narrated by Barack Obama and Steve Kroft, published by Simon & Schuster Audio
The Confederacy: Truth and Reconciliation, written and narrated by T Bone Burnett, published by Audible Originals
The End of My Heart by Gayle Forman, narrated by Diane Kruger, Piper Goodeve, Gabriel Vaughan, Elizabeth Evans, Josh Hurley, Amanda Ronconi, Emily Bauer, Neil Hellegers, and Jesse Einstein, published by Audible Originals
Getting Started with Sourdough: From Flour to Levain to One Great Loaf, written and narrated by Chad Robertson and Jennifer Latham, published by Penguin Random House Audio
ROMANCE
Dirty Letters
by Vi Keeland, Penelope Ward
Narrated by Andi Arndt, Jacob Morgan, published by Brilliance Publishing
An unexpected love story that started with a boy and girl and heats up when the man and woman reconnect. Years after they were separated, they re-connect with letters that move from fun to flirty to downright dirty, revealing their wildest fantasies. So it only makes sense to move to the next level and see each other in person.
Finalist Titles
Call Me Maybe by Cara Bastone, narrated by Luci Christian and Neil Hellegers, published by Audible Originals
Chasing Cassandra by Lisa Kleypas, narrated by Mary Jane Wells, published by HarperAudio
Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert, narrated by Adjoa Andoh, published by HarperAudio
The Honey-Don’t List by Christina Lauren, narrated by Patti Murin and Jon Root, published by Simon & Schuster Audio
SCIENCE FICTION
The Deep
by Rivers Solomon, Daveed Diggs, William Hutson, Jonathan Snipes
Narrated by Daveed Diggs, published by Simon & Schuster Audio
The water-breathing descendants of African slave women tossed overboard have built their own underwater society - and must reclaim the memories of their past to shape their future in this brilliantly imaginative novella inspired by the Hugo Award-nominated song "The Deep" from Daveed Diggs' rap group, Clipping.
Finalist Titles
Aliens: Phalanx by Scott Sigler, narrated by Bronson Pinchot, published by Blackstone Publishing
Axiom's End by Lindsay Ellis, narrated by Stephanie Willis and Abigail Thorn, published by Macmillan Audio
Heaven's River by Dennis E. Taylor, narrated by Ray Porter, published by Audible Originals
Ruins of the Galaxy by J.N. Chaney and Christopher Hopper, narrated by R.C. Bray, published by Podium Audio
Star Wars: Thrawn Ascendancy: Chaos Rising by Timothy Zahn, narrated by Marc Thompson, published by Penguin Random House Audio
SHORT STORIES/COLLECTIONS
The Chekhov Collection of Short Stories
by Anton Chekhov
Narrated by Richard Armitage, published by Audible Studios
Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) is perhaps best for his plays such as Uncle Vanya and The Seagull, but he was also a prolific author of short stories. This collection presents six of his most-celebrated short stories, chosen and performed by Richard Armitage.
Finalist Titles
Burnt Tongues, edited by Chuck Palahniuk, Richard Thomas, and Dennis Widmyer, narrated by Christopher David, Jordan Killam, Pete Cross, Cady Zuckerman, Nick Mondelli, David Bendena, Pat Grimes, Mark Owen, Kat Rose-Martin, Chris Andrew Ciulla, Katherine Littrell, James Patrick Cronin, Timothy Andrés Pabon, Cary Hite, Qarie Marshall, Jack Meloche, Thom Rivera, Steve West, Steve Wojtas, Tanya Eby, and Patrick Lawlor, published by Dreamscape Media LLC
Inquire Within, written and narrated by In-Q, published by HarperAudio
Inside Jobs: Tales from a Time of Quarantine by Ben H. Winters, narrated by Scott Aiello, Kevin T. Collins, and Ellen Archer, published by Audible Originals
Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning, written and narrated by Cathy Park Hong, published by Penguin Random House Audio
SPANISH LANGUAGE
El laberinto del fauno
by Guillermo del Toro and Cornelia Funke
Narrated by Kerygma Flores, Luis Ávila, published by Penguin Random House Grupo Editorial México
Tras un largo recorrido entre pantanos, Ofelia conoce al hombre que será su padrastro, un despiadado capitán del ejército español. Para él, el inquietante y oscuro bosque donde viven es como una jaula, que tan solo sirve de escondite para los combatientes de la resistencia en la interminable y sangrienta guerra civil. Pero Ofelia está embelesada con su mágico hogar.
Finalist Titles
Evelyn Del Rey se muda [Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away] by Meg Medina, narrated by Jane Santos, published by Dreamscape Media LLC
La Hermandad del Triskelión by German Rodriguez Citraro, narrated by Juan Guzman, published by FonoLibro Inc
Mi sombría Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell, narrated by Ximena Restrepo, published by HarperAudio
Sí, si es contigo, written and narrated by Calle y Poché, published by Penguin Random House Grupo Editorial Colombia
THRILLER/SUSPENSE
When No One Is Watching
by Alyssa Cole
Narrated by Susan Dalian, Jay Aaseng, published by HarperCollins Publishers
Sydney Green is Brooklyn born and raised, but her beloved neighborhood is changing. Condos are sprouting like weeds, FOR SALE signs are popping up overnight, and the neighbors are disappearing. Sydney channels her frustration into a walking tour and finds an unlikely ally. But their dive into history quickly becomes a dizzying descent into paranoia and fear.
Finalist Titles
If It Bleeds by Stephen King, narrated by Will Patton, Danny Burstein, and Steven Weber, published by Simon & Schuster Audio
The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones, narrated by Shaun Taylor-Corbett, published by Simon & Schuster Audio
The Sentinel by Lee Child and Andrew Child, narrated by Scott Brick, published by Penguin Random House Audio
Yard Work by David Koepp, narrated by Kevin Bacon, published by Audible Originals
YOUNG ADULT
Clap When You Land
by Elizabeth Acevedo
Narrated by Elizabeth Acevedo, Melania-Luisa Marte, published by HarperAudio
In a novel-in-verse that brims with grief and love, National Book Award-winning and New York Times best-selling author Elizabeth Acevedo writes about the devastation of loss, the difficulty of forgiveness, and the bittersweet bonds that shape our lives. Acevedo, also an award-winning narrator, narrates along with Melania-Luisa Marte.
Finalist Titles
Everything Sad Is Untrue (A True Story), written and narrated by Daniel Nayeri, published by Penguin Random House Audio
Poisoned by Jennifer Donnelly, narrated by Rosie Jones, published by Scholastic Audio
A Song Below Water by Bethany C. Morrow, narrated by Jennifer Haralson and Andrea Laing, published by Macmillan Audio
This Is My America by Kim Johnson, narrated by Bahni Turpin, published by Penguin Random House Audio
YOUNG LISTENERS (up to age 8)
The Overground Railroad
by Lesa Cline-Ransome
Narrated by Shayna Small and Dion Graham, published by Live Oak Media
Climbing aboard the New York bound Silver Meteor train, Ruth Ellen embarks upon a journey toward a new life up North – one she can't begin to imagine. Stop by stop, the perceptive young narrator tells her journey in poems, leaving behind the cotton fields and distant Blue Ridge mountains.
Finalist Titles
Going Down Home with Daddy by Kelly Starling Lyons, narrated by Daxton Edwards, published by Dreamscape Media LLC
Rise! From Caged Bird to Poet of the People, Maya Angelou by Bethany Hegedus, narrated by Cherise Boothe, published by Live Oak Media
Say Something, written and narrated by Peter H. Reynolds, published by Weston Woods Studios
The Sesame Street Podcast with Foley and Friends by Sesame Workshop, narrated by Lindsey Briggs, Tyler Bunch, Ryan Dillon, and a full cast, published by Audible Studios
Stuck by Chris Grabenstein, narrated by Mark Sanderlin, Elizabeth Hess, Oliver Wyman, Farah Bala, Rita Wolf, Caroline Grogan, Cynthia Darlow, Mateo D'Amato, J.J. Myers, Neil Hellegers, Genesis Oliver, and Chris Grabenstein, published by Audible Originals