MOONFLOWER

André Santana's haunting performance makes perfect sense for this audiobook. Its main character, 12-year-old Moon, is Black, nonbinary, and suffering from depression. Santana gives a strong sense of Moon's feelings of isolation in the face of prejudice and misunderstanding. Intense first-person writing reveals their feelings--for Moon hasn't spoken aloud in months. As Moon finds relief in the spirit realm, Santana's dreamy voice deepens and calms as he portrays Wolf, a guide who anchors Moon. Moon seems lost until the end of the story when they discover self-love. The moralizing repetitions in this story may lose some listeners. Those who suffer from mental illness, like Moon, may find comfort. The audiobook ends with an author's note about their youthful struggles with depression and suicidal ideation. S.W. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2022]