Celebrate Black History Month and Afro-Latinx voices with this list of audiobooks. From young adult books to award-winning fiction, best sellers, to hidden gems and debut novels, this list celebrates Afro-Latino and Afro-Latina authors and their stories. These audiobooks are stunning examples of the strength and power of women of color, the diversity of Black Latinx literature, and the many voices of African American storytellers you may not have heard yet.
This list covers a variety of genres, styles, and stories, and celebrates voices from all walks of life. There is something for every listener to enjoy, from established favorites to up-and-coming new voices. Afro-latin literature has so much to offer, and we want to celebrate these incredible stories and their authors. Check out some of our favorite Latinx authors and find some new stories to add to your listener library.
In a neighborhood and world where Xiomara feels both invisible and all-to seen by her male counterparts, she has to learn to navigate not only her Mami’s expectations, society’s assumptions, but her own inner thoughts and feelings. Through slam poetry, she, like the author, learns to let go of the constrictions that bind her and be her authentic self, letting her voice shine.
Elizabeth Acevedo has won a number of awards for this stunning work, including the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature and an Odyssey Honor and AudioFile Earphones Award for her powerful and engaging narration. She brings all the layers and energy of slam poetry into the reading of this equally dynamic book for a story that demands to be heard.
*Never Look Back* is a modern romance novel with aspects of magical realism and myth. Author Lilliam Rivera is a Bronx native, who channels Latina vibes into her work with a powerful distinction. She weaves a tale that is the perfect combination of ancient myth and modern love, for an engaging tale that has grabbed listeners and instantly won them over. Unpausable, full of character, and passionate, this is a story that you won’t want to end.
Almarie Guerra and Samuel Maria Gomez narrate the audiobook adaptation, voicing the characters of Eury and Pheus. They add an authenticity to the story, bringing latinx heritage and voices to the forefront of this story. Moving, magical, and dynamic, this is a story that should not be missed.
This title is an anthology of 15 stories, and 15 voices, which highlight the joys, sorrows, struggles and triumphs of their own lives or of Latinx culture more generally. Narrators and storytellers include Elizabeth Acevedo, Cristina Arreola, Ingrid Rojas Contreras, Naima Coster, Natasha Diaz, Saraciea J. Fennell, Kahlil Haywood, Zakiya Jamal, Janel Martinez, Jasminne Mendez, Meg Medina, Mark Oshiro, Julian Randall, Lilliam Rivera, and Ibi Zoboi.
Though each expresses a different story, they blend wonderfully together to create a dynamic and captivating tapestry of voices and tales, together showing the many sides of Afro-Latinx and Hispanic identity. *Wild Tongues Can’t be Tamed* does not shy away from the tough questions, and hard truths, but rather throws everything out in the open to be discussed and addressed, from the ugly to the beautiful. The result is an inspiring and empowering listen that is a must-add to any library.
Diaz, who himself is from the Dominican Republic, captures the voice of Oscar brilliantly, weaving the angst and insecurity of a shy obese college-aged boy with the pressure and chaos of a loud, dominant, opinionated Dominican-American family. He blends humor with heart, and infuses everything with a strong energy and spirit. Though at times it addresses some very difficult topics and themes, Diaz balances this with levity, resulting in a truly authentic and very real feeling tale.
Jonathan Davis and Staci Snell narrate, in a beautiful reading of this story. Praised by critics and listeners alike, reviews rave about the wondrous performance of the narrators and the brilliance of the story itself. Described by listeners as ‘fantastic’, ‘excellent’, ‘near perfect’ and a ‘masterpiece,’ this modern tale is an absolute must-listen experience.
Coster expertly describes the unsettling and disconnected feeling of returning home to a place lost to time. While Penelope struggles to find her place in a neighborhood she once knew, she is shaken again by her mother’s attempts to reconnect - a mother that long ago left to reclaim her roots in the Dominican Republic. *Halsey Street* tackles these big issues of heritage, ties, family, and immigration in the face of cultural white-washing, forced assimilation, and American identity. It is a powerful critique of culture and family bonds, woven beautifully into a deep and moving story.
This audiobook adaptation is narrated by prominent black stage and screen actor Bahni Turpin, who delivers an impressive performance full of soul and passion. Her narration has been praised by critics and listeners for its depth, feeling, and heartfelt voice.
Herrera offers characters and storylines not as often seen in contemporary literature, without delivering an agenda or forcing the issue. Many DR and Afro-Caribbean listeners have connected with the story and characters, which offer a type of representation not always seen in romance novels, to great success. Sean Crisden provides an entertaining and engaging performance, narrating the story with ease.
These stories are raw, captivating, and above all deeply real. They provide visibility, education, and a celebration of Haiti through a variety of tales and voices. Danticat's poetic style translates wonderfully into audiobook form, and the narrations from Miles Graham bring her words to life with ease.
Fun, energetic, but rooted in deep truths, *Dear Haiti* is a great listen for both young adult and adult listeners alike. It is at once a story of family resilience and family secrets, history - both culturally and personally - and the tale of a young woman finding her own way and her own voice.
This title is also narrated by Bahni Turpin, whose seasoned professionalism shines through in this reading. She brings depth and warmth to the story that matches extremely well with the tone of voice of the story, and of Alaine. The result is a captivating story and a wonderful listening experience.
Sosa writes with a flirty, fun, and light-hearted style - with an edge of sexy sass - that makes her stories such easy listening experiences. Audiences completely consume her content, with its binge-worthy stories and style. *Sun of a Beach* is narrated by Valentina Ortiz and Sean Crisden. Crisden, a staple in the Afro-Latinx audiobook world, has narrated hundreds of titles for audible and has won multiple AudioFile Magazine Earphones Award and been nominated for the coveted Audie Award for excellence in narration. He and Ortiz bring a level of depth and authenticity to this story that translates the fire and passion while delivering a must-listen performance.
de Leon brings the spicy heat of Puerto Rico to the tough street of New York City with this dangerous and dramatic story of high stakes and seduction. She perfectly marries the classic caper style with elements of women's rights, social justice, and empowerment for a truly gripping story you can't miss.
Seasoned actor Patricia R. Floyd narrates this story wonderfully, offering an impressive and engaging performance, which she continues in *Book 2* of the Justice Hustlers series. This story (and series) make a great addition to your listening library.
Joana Garcia narrates this audiobook adaptation, and brings the story to life in a heart-felt, powerful performance. Garcia carries all the weight of this emotional tale, resulting in a moving, impactful performance and listen. *Brother, Sister, Mother, Explorer* is a must-add to your listener library and is a shining addition to Latinx literature.
Quintero showcases a strong, independent, and ambitious black female lead, who knows what she wants and fights for it. Cassie Rivers is a relatable, yet distinct, towing the line between someone listeners can get invested in, and someone who is unique. The result is a dynamic story that is engaging and exciting.
Cassie dives deeper into dark secrets and danger, with the listeners hanging on behind her. Fast-paced and enticing, it is an exciting listen narrated by Honey Jones.
This Only form Audible content has been translated from Spanish and narrated in English by various Puerto Rican voices such as Raul Reyes, Antonio Fornaris, Maritza Martinez, and Yaisa Figueroa. The result is a mixture of voices, experiences, and sounds that all come together to celebrate Latinx and Puerto Rican culture.
Tracey Leigh brings the main character Pola's story to life, narrating with care, sentiment, and - when appropriate - unabashed strength. The performance is a moving and powerful one, and it will capture listeners' hearts. An absolutely stunning must listen, A Woman of Endurance is a triumphant tale of overcoming, and enduring, despite all odds. Impactful, moving, and haunting, this story will stay with you and change you.