Answers in the Pages

By: David Levithan

Narrated by: Christopher Gebauer, Vikas Adam, Oliver Wyman

A bold, timely novel about speaking up and coming out as parents lobby to ban a beloved book from the school curriculum by New York Times-bestselling author David Levithan.

When Donovan left his copy of The Adventurers on the kitchen counter, he didn't think his mom would read it—much less have a problem with it. It's just an adventure novel about two characters trying to stop an evil genius...right?

But soon the entire town is freaking out about whether the book's main characters are gay, Donovan's mom is trying to get the book removed from the school curriculum, and Donovan is caught in the middle.

Donovan doesn't really know if the two boys fall in love at the end or not—but he does know this: even if they do, it shouldn't matter. The book should not be banned from school.

Interweaving three connected storylines, David Levithan delivers a bold, fun, and timely story about taking action (whether it's against book censors or deadly alligators...), being brave, and standing up for what's right.

Critic reviews

★ "A timely and relevant release." —School Library Journal, starred review

★ "[A] nuanced novel that centers moments of self-discovery, working themes of acceptance, bravery, friendship, and love." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

★ "An uplifting portrait of the strength it takes to fight for your story. It’s an important book with an essential perspective on a vital, timeless question." —BookPage, starred review

★ "In short, punchy chapters, Levithan deftly intertwines the three plots using common themes of advocacy, power and identity." —Shelf Awareness, starred review

"[A] celebration of quiet queerness, of self-discovery, of allyship, of the way books can open our world and spark adventures both real and imagined." —The New York Times Book Review

“Timely, inspiring, perfect.” —The San Francisco Book Review

😍

An amazing and important story that all parents of young people should read. it's short, but sweet and lovely, and I couldn't listen fast enough. narrators were not my favorites - might be a better physical read.

amazingly well put together

this book was one of my favorites to listen to. the story was perfectly executed, and i loved how the ending strung everything together and made the whole book make sense. i loved the style- 3 stories in one, while they’re all connected. it blows my mind how good this book is. and i am fully supportive of the ideas it talks about. no, we definitely should not ban books just because they have queer characters in them. i don’t know what’s going on with homophobes. all they need to know is that even if hate is strong, love will be even stronger. i don’t think hate can change anything about who queer people are and who they want to be. well executed and put together story. the narrators also did amazing on the expression and mood, especially with the 3rd person chapters.

Excellent

Story, performance, message—I can’t wait to pass this on. Hope it leads to open discussion about equality & censorship.

Timely story about book banning

David Levithan once again proves himself the master of contextualizing difficult queer issues for young readers. Wish I had access to his books as a kid, but I’m glad I have them now because even as an adult he’s able to mend much of the lingering pain I felt growing up. Wonderfully narrated audiobook. Highly recommended!

Thanks

This will be a superb book to use in an important discussion of intellectual freedom and freedom of information with 5th graders in my school and thousands of others. It’s pitch perfect.