THE LANGUAGE OF SEABIRDS

Narrator Michael Crouch strikes just the right tone for this sweet middle-grade novel about two boys finding first love. After his parents' divorce, 12-year-old Jeremy and his father spend two summer weeks on the Oregon coast. Even as Jeremy is confused by his dad's mood swings and drinking, he finds refuge with new friend Evan. Crouch conveys every moment of shyness, eagerness, and longing as the boys spend time running on the beach, exploring the town, exchanging text messages, and steadily growing closer. Their time together feels like a safe, magical bubble, but Jeremy's not out to anyone else, including his dad. The combination of Jeremy's journey, the beautiful setting, and Crouch's empathetic narration makes for a gentle, lovely audiobook. J.M.D. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2023]