KING AND THE DRAGONFLIES

Ron Butler lends expertise, elegance, and an unerring expressiveness to his heartbreakingly beautiful performance as King, a black tween living in Louisiana who is coping with the death of his older brother. When his ex-best friend, Sandy Sanders, goes missing and King finds him hiding in his backyard, he is forced to confront questions about himself and his grief. As the story explores a gamut of topics—racism, homophobia, child abuse, death, and sexuality—Butler’s exemplary delivery is full of emotion that mirrors the novel’s bittersweet but hopeful tone. Without hesitation and occasionally using a subtle Southern drawl, Butler readily switches from the small tremulous voice of King to the commanding voices of adults. This spectacular and touching performance is a must-listen for all ages. E.P. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award, 2020 Best Audiobook, 2021 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2020]