Narrated by Lori Gardner, Suzy Jackson, Nick Mills, Robb Moreira, Nick Walther & Jaine Ye
Recorded Books, Inc.
Publication Date: September 9, 2025
ISBN: 9798899732362
This Is Where We Die delivers exactly what thriller readers crave: a tense, locked-room atmosphere, buried secrets, and the slow, relentless unraveling of a friend group bound together by a tragedy they’ve never fully confronted. Cindy R.X. He builds a story that is fast-paced, sharply constructed, and anchored by the suffocating weight of guilt.
A full cast narration is perfectly calibrated for this type of story. Together they bring clarity and urgency to each character, guiding listeners through shifting alliances, rising fear, and the brittle fragility underneath every interaction. Their performances enhance the creeping paranoia, making the audiobook particularly engrossing.
The setup is irresistible: two years ago, eight friends went on a ski trip — only six returned. The truth was buried by privilege, silence, and a family with enough power to make the questions disappear. Now, those same six survivors reunite on a remote private island for what should have been a celebratory getaway… and instead becomes a nightmare.
Cut off from the world, with no cell service and no way off the island, the group quickly realizes that someone knows what really happened that night — and they intend for none of them to leave alive. As the body count rises, the tension tightens, and the past refuses to stay hidden, every moment feels like a countdown.
Comparable Book Recommendations
And Then There Were None — Agatha Christie
The blueprint for every “isolated location, limited suspects, killer among us” story ever written. A perfect tonal and structural comp for This Is Where We Die.
The Island — Natasha Preston
A group of influencers stuck on a tech-free island theme park begin to die one by one. Similar paranoia, isolation, and “we brought this on ourselves” energy.
Ten — Gretchen McNeil
Inspired by Agatha Christie with a YA twist: ten teens on a remote island, a storm, and a killer picking them off.
They’ll Never Catch Us — Jessica Goodman
Secrets, obsession, and a toxic sisterhood. Not as isolated, but very aligned in mood and group dynamics.
The Cheerleaders — Kara Thomas
Past deaths, survivor guilt, and a truth someone wants buried. Strong match for tone and emotional weight.
One of Us Is Next / The Bayview Series — Karen M. McManus
Twisty, fast-paced, and very much about group dynamics under pressure.
We sat down with debut author Adina King to discuss the magic of libraries, writing about the opioid crisis, the process of being a debut author with a legendary YA lit mentor, and her debut novel in verse, The House No One Sees.
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Narrated byJeremy Carlisle Parker, January LaVoy, and Major Curda
Macmillan Young Listeners
Publication Date: February 4, 2025
ISBN: 9781250353993
Across three connected timelines–World War II, the Cold War, and COVID-19, teens encounter injustice and betrayal in their lives, and respond with personal acts of defiance. With instances of romance, humor, and suspense, the stories explore honesty, courageous activism, forgiveness, and the sacrifices people are willing to make to strengthen their communities. The teens’ journeys show how even small acts of bravery can build into a lasting legacy of resistance that will not be forgotten.
Libba Bray weaves together historical fiction, mystery, and a touch of magic to keep readers engaged. Three narrators deliver a vivid, heartfelt, and fast-paced story in which love, danger, playful dialogue, and courage collide across eighty years. The teens’ shifting emotions—ranging from fear and frustration to determination and hope—are powerfully portrayed through the audio performances. The punk rock scene of 1980s Germany is especially well-realized in the narration. An audio recording within the story is well-delineated, helping listeners feel as if they truly are in the story, listening to a recording with its signature scratches and noise.
Fifteen-year-old Dan Stewart-Alvarez is abandoned in rural Tennessee with his grandparents by his free-spirited mother. His grandparents are strangers, and to make matters worse, his abrasive grandfather does not seem to approve of anything Dan does – or is. Dan’s queerness in a small Southern Baptist town causes problems for others in his orbit, but Dan is always unabashedly himself, and he slowly finds a way to build a safe, supportive community at Green Gables.
Labelled as a “modern reimagining” of Anne of Green Gables, this graphic novel highlights the familiar teen theme of feeling out of place and unwelcome in a new environment. Dan and Anne have similar upbeat attitudes and outlooks on life. Familiarity with the classic novel is not required in any way, however, as Dan is a fully formed character with his own motivations and struggles. The artwork is clear and expressive in this graphic novel, providing an accessible path to universal themes. The inviting cover, colorful layout, and expressive art will welcome reluctant readers.
Graphic novels with similar tones and themes include Heartstopper by Alice Oseman, We Could Be Magic by Marissa Meyer, Fitting Indian by Jyoti Chand, I Shall Never Fall in Love by Hari Conner, and The Deep Dark by Molly Ostertag.
–Emily Williams
Check out our interview with Rex Ogle on Graphic novel reimagings!
Each quarter, the Selected Lists teams compile the officially nominated titles to date. These titles have been suggested by the team or through the title suggestion form, read by multiple team members, and received approval to be designated an official nomination. These titles were the final nominated titles before the BFYA team compiled the final list and top ten.
–Molly Dettmann, BFYA Coordinator
And the Trees Stare Back. By Gigi Griffis. 2025. 368 p. Holiday House, $19.99 (9780823459124) Gr. 9 – 12
In Soviet-era Estonia, sixteen‑year‑old Vik’s sister returns unchanged after vanishing into a cursed bog, and nothing about her seems real. A chilling folk‑horror steeped in history, grief, and political oppression, this novel is a lyrical, haunting exploration of trauma, identity, and resistance.
Emilie is a battle skater, a mashup of ice skating and martial arts, and in his first senior competition is pitted against reigning champ, Radu. In that match, not only does he figure out Radu’s secret, but they also start crushing on each other.
Aisle Nine. Ian X. Cho. 2024. 272 p. HarperCollins, $19.99 (9780063206809) Gr. 9 – 12.
Jasper learns to navigate life as a 17-year-old who can’t remember anything about themself while fighting demons, crushing on someone at his work, and avoiding the portal to hell that has manifested in aisle nine of the mart where he works as a clerk.
Climate of Chaos. By Cassandra Newbould. 2025. 384 p. Peachtree Teen, $19.99 (9781682637579) Gr. 9 -12.
When her sister is held captive by the Aegis Corporation, and her camp’s leaders decide not to risk a rescue mission, Fox and a group of friends will risk their lives mounting a rescue mission from inside enemy walls in this suspenseful dystopian story.
Coffeeshop in an Alternate Universe. By C.B. Lee. 2025. 388 p. Feiwel & Friends, $19.99 (9781250778024). Gr. 8 – 12.
Two girls from alternate versions of Earth- one mundane, one magical – meet by chance in a coffee shop and fall for each other as increasing instability between their universes threatens their newfound happiness.
The Corruption of Hollis Brown. By K. Ancrum. 2025. 384 p. Harper Collins Publishing, $19.99 (9780063285835). Gr. 9 – 12.
Hollis Brown’s life is upended when he offers a strange boy shelter, unknowingly trading his own body in the process. A chilling yet tender thriller, this title explores the evolving connection between Hollis and Walt, and features strong secondary characters and impactful social commentary.
The Grove. By Brooks Whitney Phillips. 2025. 291 p. Viking, $19.99 (978059320128). Gr. 8 – 12.
A lyrical coming-of-age story set in the 1960s about two sisters that examines issues of generational trauma, poverty, racism, and growing up in the wake of life-altering secrets.
I Am The Swarm. By Hayley Chewins. 2025. 326 p. Viking, $19.99 (9780593623862). Gr. 9 – 12.
Nell comes into her own magic that manifests her emotions with appearances of swarms of different bugs that demonstrate to the reader how Nell is feeling about her challenges socially, with her family, her music teacher, and love interest.
Last Bookstore on Earth. By Lily Braun-Arnold. 2025. 320 p. Delacorte Press, $19.99 (9780593899489). Gr. 7 – 12.
After a chemical storm kills her family and ravages her New Jersey town, Liz Flannery moves into the bookstore where she worked before her world fell apart. Alone in the crumbling store, Liz knows that she must prepare for another storm coming soon, but other threats loom even closer.
Night Owls. A. R. Vishny. 2024. 356 p. Harper Collins, $19.99 (9780063327306) Gr. 9 – 12
Sisters Clara and Molly have kept themselves alive for centuries running the local movie theater during the day and turning into blood-thirsty, man-douring owls in secret by night. They follow simple rules that Molly is starting to question, including to never fall in love.
On Again, Awkward Again. Erin Entrada Kelly and Kwame Mbalia. 2025. 262 p. Harry N. Abrams Inc, $19.99 (9781419775635). Gr. 7 – 12.
High school freshmen Pacita (Pacy) Mercado and Cecil Holloway have no interest in romance – until they meet each other, that is. But can they overcome their own awkwardness or will it derail their relationship before it even has a chance to start?
Rosa By Any Other Name. By Hailey Alcaraz. 2025. 408 p. Viking, $20.99 (97805935525579). Gr. 9 – 12.
Inspired by Romeo and Juliet, this novel follows Rosa Capistrano, a Mexican American teen passing as white during the civil rights era. When a forbidden love leads to tragedy, Rosa must confront prejudice and risk everything to stand up for justice, identity, and the truth.
Salvación. By Sandra Proudman. 2025. 336 p. Wednesday Books, $21.99 (9781250895080). Gr. 8 – 12.
In this feminist homage to El Zorro, 17-year-hold Lola de la Peña dons the mask of Salvación to protect her town of Coloma and all that she holds dear.
Shampoo Unicorn. By Sawyer Lovett. 2025. 320 p. Hyperion, $18.99 (9781368108959). Gr. 9 – 12.
Rural Appalachian queer teen Brian and his friends use their podcast to solve a mystery, and heal themselves and make connections along the way.
Songlight. By Moira Buffini. 2024. 376 p. Harper Collins, $19.99 (9780063358218). Gr. 9 – 12.
Elsa lives in a world where her songlight is abhorred and referred to as inhuman. She only knows of one other person, Rye, who shares this ability and suddenly, he is snatched from her life.
These Vengeful Gods. By Gabe Cole Novoa. 2025. 432 p. Random House Books for Young Readers, $19.99 (9780593898123). Gr. 7 – 12.
When their uncles are arrested, Crew must risk revealing their identity as a descendant of the god of Death by entering the deadly Tournament of the Gods. As they fight for their loved ones, they’ll uncover secrets that could change the world.
Truth Is. By Hannah V. Sawyerr. 2025. 480 p. Amulet Books, $21.99 (9781419776830). Gr. 9 – 12.
Truth dreams of freedom from her past and small town, while navigating an unplanned pregnancy and complicated relationships. After her abortion, joining a slam poetry team helps her process her experiences, until a viral video of her performance thrusts her into the spotlight.
Verity Vox and the Curse of Foxfire. By Don Martin. 336 p. Page Street YA, $18.99 (9798890032706). Gr. 7 – 12
Witch-in-training Verity Vox receives a mysterious message summoning her to Foxfire, a town cursed by a traveling magician named Earl. Verity arrives and offers help, but discovers that the townspeople don’t trust outsiders, especially witches. Can Verity work to gain their trust and break the curse?
When Devils Sing. By Xan Kaur. 2025. 400 p. Henry Holt and Co., $21.99 (9781250357175), Gr. 8 – 12.
Every 13 years, the cicadas descend on Carrion. Along with that, some townsperson go missing. Legend has it that the devil walks among them, offering deals to those most vulnerable. But the cost of these deals can be huge…and painful.
The Dividing Sky. By Jill Tew. 2024. 352 p. Joy Revolution, $19.99 (9780593710357). Gr. 8 – 12.
In a future ruled by a ruthless corporation, Liv sells memories for LifeCorps. While on a dangerous mission that erases her memories, she joins forces with the police officer tracking her. Together, they uncover LifeCorp’s secrets and confront their feelings as they try to survive their journey.
NHis Face is the Sun. By Michelle Jabes Corpora. 2025. 528 p. Sourcebooks Fire, $19.99 (9781464224584). Gr. 9 – 12.
Plagued by corruption and historical prophecies, this foursome must combine talents to bring down the evil king and save their lands from over-farming and unreasonable taxes to the throne.
Kill Creatures. By Rory Power. 2025. 288 p. Delacorte Press, $19.99 (9780593302316). Gr. 9 – 12
A year after killing her three best friends, Nan is forced to confront buried truths when one of them mysteriously reappears.
Legendary Frybread Drive-In. By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Kate Hart, Eric Gansworth, Marcella Bell, Darcie Little Badger, Karina Iceberg, Kaua Mahoe Adams, Andrea L. Rogers, Cheryl Isaacs, Christine Hartman Derr, Brian Young, K. A. Cobell, Jen Ferguson, A. J. Eversole, Byron Graves, Angeline Boulley, David A. Robertson. 2025. 352 p. Heartdrum, $19.99 (9780063314269). Gr. 8 – 12.
In this anthology of loosely-connected short stories by Indigenous and First Nations authors, teens from across North America each find their way to the famous yet mysterious Sandy June’s Legendary Frybread Drive-In where the food is superlative and the company edifying.
Check out our interview with Cynthia Leitich Smith here!
Nobody in Particular. Sophie Gonzales. 2025. 352 p. Wednesday Books, $21.99 (9781250352491). Gr. 8 – 12.
At her new boarding school, American scholarship student Danni befriends Princess Rosemary, heir to the small European country in which their school is located. The two fall hard for each, but the expectations of Rose’s future role as queen pose a significant threat to their relationship.
On the Wings of la Noche. By Vanessa L. Torres. 2025. 343 p. Alfred A. Knopf, $19.99 (9780593426173). Gr. 9 – 12.
As a Lechuza, it’s Noche’s job to escort souls to the afterlife, but when her girlfriend dies, Noche can’t say goodbye. As Noche struggles to move on while also developing feelings for someone else, soon Noche will have to make a choice.
Ruin Road. By Lamar Giles. 2024. 368 p. Scholastic Press, $19.99 (9781338894134). Gr. 9 – 12.
After a terrifying encounter with police, a talented teen football player makes a wish that unleashes a supernatural force.
A Second Chance on Earth. By Juan Vidal. 2024. 216 p. Holiday House, $18.99 (9780823457113). Gr. 8 – 12.
After his father’s fatal motorcycle accident, Marcos Cadena finds solace in writing and in reading his father’s copy of One Hundred Years of Solitude. A summer in Cartagena deepens Marcos’s bond with his family, heritage, and self.
Sometimes the Girl. By Jennifer Mason-Black. 2025. 304 p. Carolrhoda Lab, $19.99 (9781728493299). Gr. 9 – 12.
Holiday’s summer job cataloging a legendary author’s attic becomes a journey into grief, creative ambition, and healing connection. A poetic, character driven coming of age novel that explores intergenerational queer kinship, artistic identity, and the courage to reclaim your voice.
The Story of My Anger. Jasmine Mendez. 2025. 336 p. Dial Books, $19.99 (9780593531877). Gr. 7 – 12.
When her drama club teacher again gives the starring role to a white student, and her favorite teacher’s class library and lesson plans are censored, Yuli joins her friends in creating a guerilla theatre club.
Top Heavy. By Rhonda DeChambeau. 2025. 352 p. Holiday House, $19.99 (9780823458134). Gr 8 – 12.
Life gets complicated for Esme when she and her best friend are invited to the Elite dance team, where tuition and recital costumes carry a price tag that is out of reach. Then, one night with friends, a stranger gropes her chest, and everything begins to fall apart.
The Unexpected Consequence of Bleeding on a Tuesday. By Kelsey B. Toney. 2025. 304 p. Random House Books for Young Readers, $19.99 (9780593811511). Gr. 7 – 12.
When her dreams for the future seem to be ruined by the devastating period pain her doctors have been dismissing for years, and her new school isn’t supportive of students experiencing chronic illness, Delia rallies with new friends to fight for the care they deserve.
Wake the Wild Creatures. By Nove Ren Suma. 2025. 384 p. Little Brown & Co., $18.99 (9781616206727). Gr. 9 – 12.
High up in the Catskills in an abandoned mountaintop hotel, Talia and her mother have created a community of like-minded women, but their lives are upended when Talia is captured by law enforcement and sent to live with her aunt.
Maise is a normal teen to her friends at school, but she’s secretly part of an alien-fighting team legacy known as the Moon Troopers. Since being a superhero is a family business, Maise never asked for this responsibility and isn’t sure she wants it. When a tragedy occurs, Maise needs to sort out her priorities and find a way to keep everyone safe while being true to herself.
Multiple alien kaiju battles and a zippy Power Rangers-like fighting force make for an visually dynamic and action-filled graphic novel. The art is clear and bright, with expressive characters and a good balance of text. Manga and comic book readers, fans of Disney’s Amphibia (by the same creator), and those looking for easy-to-follow action stories will most appreciate this title.
Comparable titles include Into the Heartlands, a Black Panther graphic novel that also features the complexities of super-families and lots of action, and Miles Morales: Suspended by Jason Reynolds, which shows teens struggling with responsibility and important decisions.
Cade Webster lives for family and football. A star athlete at an elite prep school he attends on scholarship, Cade’s mission is to stay focused, land an NFL contract, and support his struggling family, especially his terminally ill father. But after a terrifying encounter with the police, Cade stumbles into a shady pawn shop and makes a desperate wish: for people to stop being afraid of him. To his shock, the wish comes true, with terrifying consequences.
With an intensifying tone of dread, Giles delivers a thought-provoking and emotional narrative. The story’s complex protagonist grapples with morality, grief, and racial bias, offering a character-driven exploration of identity and consequence. The blending of supernatural horror with social commentary gives the novel a compelling style that will appeal to teens who appreciate issue-oriented fiction and suspense.
Teens drawn to fast-paced, atmospheric stories with social commentary will find this novel gripping and thought-provoking. Perfect for fans of Burn Down, Rise Up by Vincent Tirado and The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. Jackson
–Cathy DeCampli
Be sure to check out The Hub’s interview with Lamar Giles!
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. The Best Fiction for Young Adults Committee appreciates teen feedback as members evaluate the nominated titles. Teen librarians are encouraged to share the List of Potential Nominees under consideration with their patrons and solicit feedback using the link: tinyurl.com/bfya2026
Amber McBride has this uncanny ability to write stories that feel like stepping into a dream: soft around the edges, heavy with truth, and then she goes and narrates them herself, making the audiobook feel like sitting across from the author while she quietly hands you her heart.
The Leaving Room is a haunting, lyrical exploration of grief, identity, mental health, and the spaces we create to survive the impossible. The poetic structure makes it feel like both a novel and a spell, and McBride’s narration deepens that magic. Her voice is warm, brittle, rhythmic, and absolutely intentional. Every pause matters. Every inhale matters.
Our protagonist, Thea, feels untethered and raw after a devastating loss, and McBride guides us through her inner world with a tenderness that never once feels performative. Instead, it’s honest. Vulnerable. Quietly aching. The blending of verse, folklore, and emotional realism hits that perfect note between grounded and otherworldly.
As an audiobook? Chef’s kiss. The format elevates the verse, making the cadence hit exactly the way McBride intended. It’s one of those listens where you stop what you’re doing because a line just took the wind out of you.
Comparable Book Recommendations
Me (Moth) — Amber McBride
Verse, identity, ancestral connection, grief. The audiobook is extraordinary and pairs perfectly with The Leaving Room.
With the hit teen TV show that launched her career wrapping up, Marisol thought the only thing she’d need to worry about was booking her next gig. But when her long-time boyfriend breaks up with her claiming she is too “unserious” in a press statement, Marisol sets out to prove him wrong, landing a guest role on the same prestigious drama TV show he’s recently booked. Marisol flies to NYC and feels like a fish out of water in the city and on the set, particularly when her usual charms fall flat with her co-stars and the intense, mercurial director. But a new friendship – that might be something more? – with the beautiful acting newcomer and lead of the show, Jamila, might serve as both the perfect distraction and a new opportunity for Marisol to prove who she is.
Teens will be hooked by this light-hearted behind-the-scenes look at being a teen celebrity and the breezy and funny writing. Beyond that, this is also a joyful and positive coming-of-age tale featuring an unforgettably loveable protagonist, inspiringly supportive teen friendships, and a sweet and mutually respectful relationship. The villains provide just enough intrigue to keep the plot moving but don’t overshadow this airy rom-com.
Give to teens who enjoy romance, particularly queer romance. Teens who prefer modern-day books about friendship and overcoming adversity with the support of your friends will also enjoy this. This is also a great choice for teens who like TikTok, Instagram, and following celebrity gossip or who dream of moving to NYC or LA. Readalikes include popular queer romances like Alice Oseman’s Heartstopper series and Becky Albertalli’s books. Teens who enjoy romantic books set in NYC like Nicola Yoon’s The Sun is Also a Star will enjoy this book’s authentic take on being young in NYC.
Four characters from seemingly different parts of this world find themselves joining up to challenge a tyrannical king and an undead entity. Each of them brings something special to the team from the gift of foresight, to thievery, strength and courage.
This book is beautiful book making with a vibrant cover and sprayed edges that will automatically have readers gravitating towards it. This is based on Egyptian myths that are explored through each of these characters who all play a part in a prophecy determined thousands of years before they existed. The novel starts with introducing where each person comes from and the challenges that they face due to their birthrights. Sita is the princess with two brothers who could both be the next king as their father’s health is fading fast. Rae seems to have been born fighting and is constantly in a physical scuffle defending herself or justice. Neff has an ability that she doesn’t quite understand, but her visions continue to come to life. And Karim survives as a tomb robber who may inadvertently wake a dark force that sets their adventure into motion.
Readers who enjoy epic adventures, world building and mythology retellings will enjoy this book. This is for fans of Heir by Sabaa Tahir, or Fearless by Lauren Roberts.
-Jessica Lorentz Smith
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. The Best Fiction for Young Adults Committee appreciates teen feedback as members evaluate the nominated titles. Teen librarians are encouraged to share the List of Potential Nominees under consideration with their patrons and solicit feedback using the link: tinyurl.com/bfya2026
