Will Grayson, Will Grayson

by John Green and David Levithan

This hilarious book has a complicated plot packed with interesting, well-developed characters and themes. All of them revolve around the unforgettable Tiny Cooper, an enormous gay teen with an equally enormous personality. He is completely self-centred, but charmingly frank about it. The story is told by a straight Will Grayson (Tiny’s best friend), and a gay Will Grayson (Tiny’s newest boyfriend). The audio version has different actors for these two characters and it works very well. Another great feature of the audio is Tiny’s autobiographical musical. It’s one of the funniest things I’ve ever listened to. 

Unabridged, 7 CD

Dark Life

by Kat Falls

This novel combines the author’s son’s interests: oceans, the Wild West and the X-Men! She turns the sea into a frontier, as farming the ocean floor becomes a remedy to overpopulation and global warming. The children who grow up underwater develop “Dark Gifts” or adaptations, such as echo location, camouflaging skin, or abilities to intuit changes in water, air pressure and temperature, etc. The author evokes living underwater in exquisite detail. Beyond these considerable achievements, she adds a relentless, fast-paced plot, excellent characterization and several unpredictable mysteries. I hope this will be a continuing series.  

Unabridged, 6 CD

Only The Good Spy Young

by Ally Carter

In this fourth book in the Gallagher Girls series,  convincing character development of the four central girls continues. They are take-charge, smart girls and portrayed believably as good friends. The narrator in this audio version does an excellent job of differentiating the characters’ voices, as the banter between them is often rapid and hilarious. Their spy skills and education are an interesting element, and the plot and suspense build well until the cliff-hanger ending. An evil organization is trying to kidnap Cammie, with each attempt endangering everyone around her. Cammie figures she’ll use her spy skills to disappear, leaving everyone behind, where they’ll be safer. I thought that was a clever twist. I look forward to reading more, and I’m sure your patrons’ reactions will be similar. 

Unabridged, 6 CD

The Hunchback Assignments

by Arthur J. Slade

This book fits into the Steam Punk genre. The award-winning Canadian author Arthur Slade starts a brilliant new series in an alternate Victorian world where a government spy agency employs extraordinarily talented orphans. Our protagonist is a misshapen boy, who can shape-shift his body to resemble anyone. He’s a perfect spy. Into a fast-paced mystery plot the author deftly weaves a compelling twist on the Cyrano de Bergerac love story. Read by Jayne Entwistle whose pleasing delivery will remind the listeners of Julie Andrews. 

Unabridged, 5 CD

The Evolution Of Calpurnia Tate

by Jacqueline Kelly

It’s 1899 and there’s a drought. Calpurnia notices that there are hardly any of the usually abundant green grasshoppers around and that there are lots of new yellow grasshoppers. Even though she’s rarely brave enough to talk to her cranky grandfather, she asks him about them. He tells her to let him know when she’s figured them out. Eventually she realizes that the yellow colour evolved because of the drought. He’s delighted with her discovery, and invites her to join him in further scientific investigations.

Unabridged, 8 CD

Virus Of The Mind

by Richard Brodie

The author of Getting Past OK and the original author of Microsoft Word, builds on the work of Richard Dawkins and the science of memes. Brodie believes the impact of this new science could be as great as the emergence of atomic physics. A mix of science, ethics and current events. Read by the author. (Ron Stadnik)

Unabridged, 4 CD

Fallen

by Lauren Kate

This is the first book in a series. All her life, Luce has been able to see shadowy creatures that no one else can see. Eventually, to avoid mental health treatment, she pretends that she’s cured, and that the “shadows” are gone. But soon she starts to see other things as well, to feel certainties that are inexplicable. Against all reason, she pursues the truth. What she learns is fantastically romantic, frightening, and involves angels. This book is read by Justine Eyre, whose sensuous voice conveys the plot’s romance and sexiness as well as Luce’s uncertainty and vulnerability.

Unabridged, 8 CD

The Devil's Kiss

by Sarwat Chadda

She spent her childhood relentlessly training to join the Knights Templar. Now London needs her.

An interesting paranormal book that reads like Tamora Pierce for grown-ups.

Unabridged, 7 CD

Captivate

by Carrie Jones

In this sequel to Need. Zara's sweetheart--the werewolf Nick--is mortally wounded and taken from her. She can only rescue him if she becomes a pixie herself...she and her friends have been battling pixies all along. The author uses their paranormal traits to delve into ideas of racism, selfhood, and the irrevocable nature of some adolescent decisions. The audio performance admirably evokes the characters’ qualities--Issy is hyper and loyal, Zara is strong but uncertain, and Nick is self-assured.

Unabridged, 7 CD

Submarie Outlaw

by Philip Roy

This unabridged Canadian audio production is only $14.95, and was nominated for the 2010 Red Maple Award. In the story, a Newfoundland boy, Alfred, wants to be an explorer instead of a fisherman, so he and his friend build a submarine. When the boys set off on their trip, news of a mystery submarine spreads and even makes the news. Alfred and his friend have unpredictable and interesting experiences, making for a truly original book.

Unabridged, 1 CD

Solace Of The Road

by Siobhan Dowd

Fourteen-year-old Holly runs away from her foster parents in London to find her mother, who went to Ireland years before. But Holly’s memories are unclear, and as her journey progresses, she has several flashbacks, finally understanding the truth. Similes and images associated with Holly’s journey and selfhood work well to support her epiphany. Her quirky, laugh-out-loud humour adds levity. For example, she makes frequent references to Jane Eyre, disparaging Jane as a pathetic heroine during her flight from Mr. Rochester. The vocal performance captures Holly’s vulnerability, naivety, and courage.  

Unabridged, 6 CDs

Catching Fire

by Suzanne Collins

Unabridged, 9 CDs

The Secrets Of Immortal Nicholas Flamel #3: The Sorceress

by Michael Scott

Unabridged, 8 CDs

Silvertongue

by Charlie Fletcher

Unabridged, 9 CDs

Going Bovine

by Libba Bray

Unabridged, 11 CDs

The London Eye Mystery

by Siobhan Dowd

Unabridged, 5 CDs

The Adoration of Jenna Fox

by Mary E. Pearson 

In Jenna Fox's future world, medical science can repair or replace vurtually any part of the human body, and legislation has been introduced to regulate this. Jenna wakes from a coma, gradually regaining her memory and the realization that she is not the same.  She's 2 inches shorter, and can remember her own baptism.  She was in a horrific car crash and expected to die.

Her father is a reconstructive surgeon and she realizes that he is responsible for saving her life, but now she has a high-tech, prosthetic body with barely ten percent of her orginal self. The ethical questions raised by her situation are staggering. It is a remarkable, thought-provoking read.

In an interview included with the audio version, the author says that ideas for this novel began when her teen daughter had cancer.  She wondered what she would be prepared to do to save her. (Her daughter recovered fully)

For more Young Adult audio, use code 'AY' in the Advanced Search area of our website.

For Young Adult Non-fiction titles on ethics and science, use code 'YN' to find the series Dilemmas in Modern Science. 

Unabridged, 4 CDs