Answers in the Pages by David Levithan
Narrated By: Christopher Gebauer, Vikas Adam, and Oliver Wyman
Imprint/Publisher: Listening Library
Publication Date: May 10, 2022
ISBN: 9780593608258
Donovan’s book assignment turns his town upside down when parents try to ban the book, The Adventurers. Donovan’s own mother leads the charge because of a possible romantic relationship between the two main characters, Rick and Oliver. Donovan and his classmates will stand up to his town to prevent the book from being banned. In a parallel narrative, the listener is introduced to Gideon and Roberto who are drawn together as they complete a school assignment.
Gebauer, Adam, and Wyman’s narrations perfectly weave together these three tales: Donovan’s story, The Adventurers’ Rick and Oliver as they try to save the world, and Gideon and Roberto as they build a tenuous friendship. The narrators bring to life the anxiety of trying to find yourself that will be relatable to readers. The narrators provide a heartfelt reading with hints of humor and action that make the recording compelling. Answers in the Pages is a timely story that fans of Attack of the Black Rectangles, by A.S. King, and A High Five for Glenn Burke by Phil Bildner will enjoy this middle-grade book about acceptance.
–Rebeca Baldwin
The Selected Lists teams read throughout the year in search of the best titles published in their respective categories. Once a book is suggested (either internally or through the title suggestion form), it must pass through a review process to be designated an official nomination.
Each week, the teams feature a review of one of the officially nominated titles. Additional titles to receive this designation are listed as well. At year’s end, the team will curate a final list from all nominated titles and select a Top Ten.