The Best Audiobooks for Young Adults of 2024

The best audiobooks for teens and young adults of 2024, according to editors of AudioFile magazine:

Canto Contigo by Jonny Garza Villa, narrated by Alejandro Antonio Ruiz

Alejandro Antonio Ruiz embodies all of the roiling emotions in this compelling queer teen love story. Rafie learned his love of mariachi from his abuelo. He’s devastated when his abuelo dies yet is determined to bring home another first-place trophy from the Mariachi Extravaganza. Ruiz yells, cries, whispers, laughs, and sings, revealing all the many layers to the story.

(10 hours)

A Crane Among Wolves by June Hur, narrated by Greg Chun and Michelle H. Lee

Greg Chun and Michelle Lee portray the alliance and the attraction between the two main characters whose alternating chapters tell this historical mystery set in 1506 Korea. Lee’s narration is suffused with 17-year-old Isuel’s desire to free her older sister from cruel King Yeonsan. Chun’s portrayal shows Daehyu, the king’s wise half brother, yielding regretfully to the increasing demands of the king while slyly plotting treason.

(10 hours)

How the Boogeyman Became a Poet by Tony Keith, Jr. and narrated by Tony Keith, Jr. [Harper Audio | 5 hrs.]

Hip-hop artist Tony Keith, Jr., narrates his free-verse coming-of-age memoir. His pacing and tone allow listeners to feel the power of his words and imagine his world. His skill as a narrator is evident as he delivers lyrical imagery mixed with dialect. Sound effects illuminate the poems’ themes: Drums aid listeners in picturing the richness of African imagery in one poem; in another listeners hear the murmurs of a cafeteria.

(5 hours)

Jupiter Rising by Gary D. Schmidt, narrated by Christopher Gebauer

(the sequel Orbiting Jupiter)

Christopher Gebauer narrated the tragic novel Orbiting Jupiter and now delivers its companion; both stories are told in the voice of an eighth-grader named Jack. Listening to these novels in order will allow fans to appreciate Gebauer’s portrayal of Jack’s astounding growth. Gebauer’s portrayals of adults are fully realized, particularly Jack’s caustic but caring coach and his domineering grandfather, who has a broken heart.

(3.5 hours)

Twenty-Four Seconds from Now: A Love Story by Jason Reynolds, narrated by Guy Lockard

Guy Lockard narrates this fresh and funny novel from Jason Reynolds. Told from the perspective of 17-year-old Neon, the novel moves backward over Neon’s past 24 months. As he prepares to celebrate his anniversary with his girlfriend, he reflects on everything that has happened since they first met. Lockard’s deep, resonant voice is expressive and full of humor that fits Neon’s youth and the bright banter between Neon and his friends.

(4.25 hours)

When the World Tips Overs by Jandy Nelson, narrated by Michael Crouch, Alex McKenna, Briggon Snow, Caitlin Kinnunen and Julia Whelan

This performance by a five-narrator cast is truly special. Every perspective offers an individual personality and a spectrum of emotions. It genuinely feels like each character is a complete story on their own, but when blended together, they create a symphony of mystery, challenges, and compelling world-building.

(17.25 hours)