Click here to see all of the current Amazing Audiobooks nominees along with more information about the list and past years’ selections.
Internment by Samira Ahmed
Little, Brown Young Readers
Publication Date: April 2, 2019
ISBN: 978-1549148767
In a near dystopian future, seventeen-year-old Layla Amin and her family are forced into an internment camp for Muslim American citizens. After some time in the camp, Layla and her allies stage a revolution against the camp’s Director.
Teens have so much power to advocate for change. Layla becomes a social activist along with other individuals by deciding to showcase the injustices they have witnessed and experienced and as readers listen, they are provided a historical overview of real issues in our society. Readers will relate to real-life issues Layla faces as well; an intimate relationship with her boyfriend, trying to find her voice and most importantly trying to understand Islamophobia. Soneela Nankani’s narration amplifies the tense atmosphere of the book and embodies Layla’s inner turmoil during difficult times.
This timely resistance story will appeal to fans of Tehlor Kay Mejia’s We Set the Dark on Fire and John Boyne’s The Boy With the Striped Pajamas regarding the Islamophobia Layla has to face while trying to still maintain being a typical teenager. The Handmaid’s Tale is an easy comparison as well.
–Christie Kimsey & Kiera Vargas