2022 Odyssey Award
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2022 Odyssey Award for Excellence in Audiobook Production for Children
“Boogie Boogie, Y'all,” written and narrated by C. G. Esperanza, produced by Almeda Beynon, and published by HarperAudio
It takes the listener on an auditory adventure through the Bronx, painted with the colorful rhythm of the city. With a hip-hop beat, this celebration of the city matches the energy of the often-overlooked art that illustrates public spaces. The perfect timing and cadence will have listeners tapping their toes and bobbing their heads.
2022 Odyssey Award for Excellence in Audiobook Production for Young Adults
"When You Look Like Us,” written by Pamela N. Harris, narrated by Preston Butler III, produced by Almeda Beynon, and published by HarperAudio highlights class.
"When You Look Like Us," is about race, and socioeconomic divisions. When Jay Murphy realizes that his sister Nicole is missing, he is determined to find her, despite the cards stacked against them. Butler deftly handles multiple voices with precision, passion, and panache, leaving listeners to wonder why some lives matter more than others.
2022 Odyssey Honor Audiobooks
“Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah” is written by Laurie Ann Thompson, narrated by Adjoa Andoh, produced Aaron Blank, and published by Listening Library, and imprint of Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group.
Born in Ghana with one functional leg, Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah overcomes pain and prejudice, and embarks on an epic bicycle ride to raise awareness for disability rights. Andoh’s expressive voice brings out the joy and triumph in this uplifting story, working in tandem with the warm musical score.
“I Talk Like a River” is written and narrated by Jordan Scott and produced by Erick Black with Dreamscape Media.
A young boy who is bullied because of his stutter finds strength in the sounds of a river. The author’s stuttering narration of this autobiographical story gives an immersive experience unmatched by the picture book alone. This much-needed audiobook offers representation and a bridge to build empathy.
“Perfectly Parvin” is written by Olivia Abtahi, narrated by Mitra Jouhari, produced by Sarah Jaffe, and published by Listening Library, an imprint of Penguin Random House Audio.
Fourteen-year-old Iranian American Parvin Mohammadi concocts the ultimate plan to move on after a breakup and triumph in high school. Mitra Jouhari is an exceptional narrator, capturing Parvin’s comical, awkward energy. Jouhari delivers authentic Farsi phrases and proper pronunciation while also delighting listeners with Parvin’s perfectly hilarious thoughts.
Members of the 2022 Odyssey Award Committee: Chair: Lynda Salem Poling, Catherine Andronik, Alicia Blowers, Celia Dillon, Colette Drouillard, Alyson Feldman-Pitch, Shannan Hicks, Amy Kleman, Marcia Melkonian, Ashley Mensah, Rebecca Oberhauser
