Best Audiobooks of 2024: 9 Kids’ Picks from Booklist and School Library Journal

Read by Maia Kobabe, Trini Alvarado, Stephen Graybill, Phoebe Kobabe, Jeremy Carlisle Parker, & a Full Cast

“Maia Kobabe’s narration of 2019’s Gender Queer brings an additional level of emotional intensity to this audio edition of eir powerful and award-winning graphic novel. . . The use of additional voices imbues the listening experience with a richer sense of the world and people involved. The audiobook boasts a couple of updates about Kobabe’s life and family since the print editions were released. Overall—and newly on audio—this remains one of the most earnest, vulnerable, and touching portrayals of self-discovery available.”—Booklist starred review

Read by Jasminne Mendez

“From the get-go, the audio rendition of Janelle Harper’s debut picture book will have listeners bouncing, bopping, hipping, and hopping. With joyful exuberance, narrator Jasminne Mendez expressively delivers this love letter to the Bronx and all who have called it home.”—Booklist starred review

Read by Ruth Wilson

“Wilson, who plays Mrs. Coulter in the recent BBC series based on the books, has a classic English accent and a resonant voice that seems endlessly flexible. . . Enchanting music plays between chapters, allowing listeners a moment to breathe and digest before diving back in to this utterly enthralling story.”—Booklist starred review

Read by the Author and a Full Cast

“Libraries should ensure this aural gift is easily accessible to all tweens and teens.”—School Library Journal starred review

Selected with HUDA F ARE YOU? shown above!

Read by Sid Sagar with a note read by the Author

“Sagar is a sigh-inducing, aural gift to Hiranandani’s companion title to 2019’s Newbery Award-winning The Night Diary. . . Sagar ensures each character is instantly recognizable.”—School Library Journal starred review

Read by Shannon Tyo, Greta Jung,  & Jeena Yi

“Tyo’s commanding performance pauses with enticing fodder for the next volume. Jung follows with a deliciously bewildering single chapter; Yi concludes with shocking backstory. Truth and reality continue to diverge, leaving audiences craving more.”—School Library Journal starred review

Read by Victoria Villarreal

“Villareal is expertly cast, adroitly modulating her affecting presentation with impressive control. An essential acquisition for every library in all media.”—School Library Journal starred review

Read by Victoria Villarreal with a note read by the Author 

“Villarreal gleefully, convincingly voices bathroom reviews, un-Catholic confessions, revisionist telenovela scenes, and more. Van Wagenen cameos to share her experiences living with interstitial cystitis and autism. Expertly ciphered by Villarreal, Van Wagenen’s memorable crew proves indeed to be excellent company.”—School Library Journal starred review