CLEMENTINE AND DANNY SAVE THE WORLD (AND EACH OTHER)

Josephine Huang's and David Lee Huynh's earnest performances delight in this winning YA rom-com. Huang's spirited narration embodies the optimistic 18-year-old Clementine Chan, who writes as Hibiscus in her blog, which provides news and reviews on Chinatown. Huynh's deep tones and pacing clearly portray the cranky Danny Mok, a.k.a. BobaBoy888. Mok thinks Hibiscus's "cringe-worthy" posts are superficial and don't address important issues like gentrification. The interplay between the two performers' voices and styles fluidly captures Danny and Clementine's different socioeconomic situations and their increased cooperation in working against Kale Corp, which is threatening to close his family's teahouse. Huynh and Huang also maintain the tension as the protagonists remain unaware of each other's virtual identity. A sweet, smart listen for older teens and young adults alike. M.F. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2023]