Audiobooks by Yamile Saied Méndez

Hear Ye Mortals

"From the award-winning author of Furia—two brothers struggle against a totalitarian regime in this historical YA about fighting for what you believe in, even when the world around you tries to silence your voice.   In 1976 Rosario, Argentina, brothers Daniel and Adrián Aguirre share a passion for music and a bond as best friends. However, under the authoritarian military government, artists and musicians are considered enemies of the state, even if they're just teenagers playing at home. When one of their songs unexpectedly gains popularity on the radio, Daniel and Adrián, along with their band Río Babel—comprised of children of immigrants from Spain, Palestine, and Germany—face a daunting choice.   They must decide whether to pursue their dream of becoming musicians or to remain silent to protect their families. Ready to challenge the military regime, their resolve is tested when one of their own goes missing.   This novel delves into the power of music in the fight for a better tomorrow, making it a compelling read for those who appreciate stories of courage, family, and the enduring spirit of resistance against a totalitarian regime."

Yamile Saied Méndez (Author), Sol Madariaga (Narrator)

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Tales from Cabin 23: The Visitors

"Few campers at Camp Apple Hill Farm have found the mysterious cabin rumored to be hidden deep in the woods, but those who have whisper of a mysterious woman who tells tales of horrors beyond imagination. Find out if you're brave enough for Tales from Cabin 23-the thrilling new series created by award-winning authors Justina Ireland and Hanna Alkaf. When Gen Farías's brother, Lorenzo, is arrested, everything changes. Gen's neighbors look at him and his family with suspicion, his parents are distraught, and no one will tell Gen what's happening. But the worst part is what only Gen knows: It's all his fault. If he hadn't forgotten to leave their bedroom window unlatched the night of Lorenzo's arrest, maybe his brother would have never been caught. Guilt haunts Gen-guilt, and a terrifying shadow that crouches each night on the tree branch outside his window, watching him with penetrating eyes. Gen's parents decide to move to Los Astros, a beautiful village nestled in the mountains, to try to regain some sense of normalcy. But Los Astros, Gen soon discovers, is no ordinary town. There are creepy wicker figures on every lawn and strange stories of children who go missing. Beneath its idyllic façade, Los Astros has a secret-one Gen must uncover if he doesn't want to go missing himself. And don't miss the other books in the hit Tales from Cabin 23 series: The Boo Hag Flex, Night of the Living Head, and, coming soon, The Sinking House!"

Hanna Alkaf, Justina Ireland, Yamile Saied Méndez (Author), Stacy Gonzalez (Narrator)

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[Spanish] - El deseo de mi corazón

"El ballet lo es todo para Florencia del Lago. Después de años de arduo trabajo, es seleccionada como Clara en la producción invernal de El Cascanueces. No sólo es la bailarina más joven en recibir tal honor sino también la primera latina. Está en camino de ser contratada por las mejores compañías de ballet.   Desafortunadamente, la noche del estreno, sufre un ataque de pánico—en el escenario, delante de todos. Y luego Selena, su mejor amiga, la reemplaza como Clara. Así, se desmorona su mundo entero—el estudio de ballet la expulsa, y su mejor amiga se vuelve contra ella, atormentándola en las redes sociales y en la vida real.   Pero a pesar de que algo que ella amaba llegó a su fin, la terapia y el apoyo familiar la ayudan a abrirse a nuevas experiencias. Forma una amistad con dos chicos de la escuela a los que nunca les había prestado atención, e incluso se encuentra con una escuela de danza irlandesa y decide intentar aprender esta nueva forma de arte. ¿Podrá una nueva pasión por la danza irlandesa ayudarla a encontrar la alegría de bailar en el escenario que perdió aquella noche de invierno?"

Yamile Saied Méndez (Author), Ana Osario (Narrator)

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The Reel Wish

"After a panic attack prevents Florencia from performing as Clara in The Nutcracker and her best friend takes the lead, a new dance style helps her face her anxiety as well as a troubled friendship.   Ballet is Florencia del Lago’s entire world. After years of hard work, she is chosen as Clara in the winter production of The Nutcracker. Not only is she the youngest dancer to receive such an honor but also the first Latina. She’s on track to be recruited by the best ballet companies.   Unfortunately, she suffers a panic attack on opening night—on stage, in front of everyone. And then Selena, Florencia’s best friend, steps right into the role to replace her. Just like that, Florencia’s whole world falls apart—the ballet studio expels her, and her best friend turns on her, tormenting her on social media and in real life.   But even though the one thing she was driven toward has come to an end, therapy and family support help Florencia open up to new experiences. She notices people at school she’s never paid attention to before, and she even stumbles upon an Irish dance school and decides to give it a try. Can a new passion for Irish dance help Florencia find the joy of performing on the stage that she lost that fateful winter night?"

Yamile Saied Méndez (Author), Maria Liatis (Narrator)

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The Trouble With Sunshine

"A heartwarming story about grief and new beginnings, by Pura Belpré Award-winning author Yamile Saied Méndez. THE TROUBLE WITH SUNSHINE IS IT COMES EVEN IF YOU THINK YOU DON'T DESERVE IT. Dorani's mom, Isa, taught her to be bold and challenge the rules if they don't seem fair. People are more important than rules. But she never taught Dorani how to do it all without her. So, when Isa dies on the way to speak with the principal about Dori's latest revolution, Dori loses her voice. Her grief and guilt become the loudest parts of her. Moving from vibrant Miami to quiet, middle-of-nowhere Wyoming with her aunt feels like the punishment she deserves. She spends most of her time with their newest horse, Sunshine. Sunshine was involved in an accident that's left her skittish and hard to care for. Tia Ivette knows her behavior comes from fear, and she is trying everything to make Sunshine brave again. But Dori knows grief can feel like fear... and grief is just love with no place to go. Speaking up for Sunshine reminds Dori that the very best parts of her mother live on through her, and so when she starts to notice that the rules at her new school unfairly target specific students, she knows just want her mother would do..."

Yamile Saied Méndez (Author), Frankie Corzo (Narrator)

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Girl Scouts: Maven Takes the Lead

"The first in a must-read middle grade series from Girl Scouts of the USA about a group of fifth graders with lots of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. This novel written by award-winning author Yamile Saied Méndez is perfect for readers who love The Baby-Sitters Club and American Girl's Girl of the Year series. Maven wants to be known for something great. She had been nervous about starting fifth grade after spending all summer with her little brother and baby cousins. So when her fifth-grade teacher announces a district-wide robotics competition, she jumps at the opportunity to be the class’s leader. Being in charge is better and cooler than playing make-believe, right? Many people doubt her, especially the boys in her class, but with the support of her friends and Girl Scout troop, Maven is determined to prove them wrong. Then she goes overboard with her dedication to the competition, and she seems to be disappointing everyone—including herself. She begins to realize maybe being herself is what she needed to do all along. Look out for more incredible middle grade books from Girl Scouts: The Ultimate Friendship Journal coming March 2025 Anika and the Great Dog Rescue, the second book in this Girl Scout Novel series, coming May 2025 Take Action: You Can Make the World a Better Place coming Fall 2025"

Girl Scouts, Yamile Saied Méndez (Author), Victoria Villarreal (Narrator)

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On These Magic Shores

"Minerva must take care of her sisters after her mother's disappearance in this magical #ownvoices middle grade story that pairs perfectly with Peter Pan. Minerva Soledad Miranda is determined to reach her goals, despite shouldering more responsibility than the other kids at school—like caring for her two sisters while her mom works two jobs. But one night, Minerva's mom doesn't come home, and Minerva has to figure out what to do. Was Mamá snapped up by immigration enforcement? Will the girls be sent to foster homes or holding centers for migrant kids? Minerva and her sisters can't let anyone know Mamá has disappeared. They'll just pretend everything is normal until she comes back. Minerva's plan to go it alone falls apart the first afternoon, when her baby sister throws a tantrum during Minerva's audition for Peter Pan. But as the days pass and Minerva grows ever more worried about her mother, something magical seems to be watching out for them: leaving them cupcakes, helping Minerva find money, even steering them to friends and distant family who can help. Eventually, Minerva must make the hardest choice of her life. And when she does, she'll be prepared to face life's challenges—with friendship, hope, and a little bit of fairy magic."

Yamile Saied Méndez (Author), Stacy Gonzalez (Narrator)

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Take the Mic: Fictional Stories of Everyday Resistance

"You might be the kind of person who stands up to online trolls. Or who marches to protest injustice. Perhaps you are #DisabledAndCute and dancing around your living room, alive and proud. Or perhaps you are the trans mentor that you wish you had when you were younger. Maybe you call out false allies or stand up to loved ones. Maybe you speak your truth and drop the mic, or maybe you take it with you when you leave. This anthology features fictional stories—in poems, prose, and art—that reflect a slice of the varied and limitless ways that listeners like you resist every day. Take the Mic's powerful collection of stories features work by literary luminaries and emerging talent alike, including Newbery-winner Jason Reynolds, New York Times bestseller Samira Ahmed, anthologist and contributor Bethany C. Morrow, Darcie Little Badger, Keah Brown, Laura Silverman, L.D. Lewis, Sofia Quintero, Ray Stoeve, Yamile Mendez, and Connie Sun, with cover and interior art by Richie Pope."

Bethany C. Morrow, Connie Sun, Darcie Little Badger, Jason Reynolds, Keah Brown, L.D. Lewis, Laura Silverman, Ray Stoeve, Samira Ahmed, Sofia Quintero, Yamile Saied Méndez (Author), Adenrele Ojo, Amir Abdullah, Kyla García, Sarah Beth Goer, Soneela Nankani (Narrator)

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No Place Like Home (Horse Country #4)

"Pura Belpré Award winner Yamile Saied Méndez welcomes readers back to the ranch in the fourth installment of Horse Country! Carolina Aguasvivas's oldest friend, Vida Jones Castillo, has never been interested in riding horses -- until now! Carolina is thrilled for her BFF to join Paradise Ranch, along with new sponsorship student Brielle Stuart. The barn is a full, happy house! But the girls' perfect summer falls apart when they find out that one of the horses might be sold -- Carolina's favorite riding buddy, Shadow. Can Carolina and her friends save her beloved horse... and the future of the Unbridled Dreams program?"

Yamile Saied Méndez (Author), Maria Liatis (Narrator)

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Our Shadows Have Claws: 15 Latin American Monster Stories

"From zombies to cannibals to star-crossed, shapeshifting lovers, this cross-genre anthology written by superstar YA authors from across the Latin American diaspora offers bold new thrills for every monster fan. In these fifteen original short stories, bloodthirsty vampires are hunted by a quick-witted slayer; children are taken from their beds by "el Viejo de la Bolsa" while a military dictator steals their parents; and anyone you love might be a monster waiting to strike. The sinister worlds of these narratives are also magical ones, where supernatural beings can be avatars for justice, vengeance, sisterhood, and empowerment. Some monsters need to be slain; others should be embraced. So, step into the darkness. See what you find. * "This bloodcurdling anthology soars." -Kirkus Reviews, starred review   Full contributor list: Chantel Acevedo, Courtney Alameda, Julia Alvarez, Ann Dávila Cardinal, M. García Peña, Racquel Marie, Gabriela Martins, Yamile Saied Méndez, Maika Moulite and Maritza Moulite, Claribel A. Ortega, Amparo Ortiz, Lilliam Rivera, Jenny Torres Sanchez, Ari Tison, and Alexandra Villasante.  "

Amparo Ortiz, Yamile Saied Méndez (Author), Frankie Corzo, Marisa Blake (Narrator)

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Where There's Smoke (Horse Country #3)

"Welcome back to Paradise Ranch, where everyone can get a second chance, in this third installment of the Horse Country series by Pura BelpréAward-winning author Yamile Saied Méndez. Carolina Aguasvivas knows just what to do with Paradise Ranch's new sponsored student, Rockwell Richards. He's clearly a perfect match for a gentle giant of a horse named Napoleon, as they both have mysterious pasts. Carolina can't wait to learn everything she can about the cute and thoughtful new boy...but Rockwell doesn't seem to appreciate her snooping -- or admiration. When the barn is threatened by local wildfires, can he and Caro put everything aside and help keep the horses safe?"

Yamile Saied Méndez (Author), Maria Liatis (Narrator)

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Friends Like These (Horse Country #2)

"Trouble in Paradise? In this second installment of Horse Country, critically acclaimed author Yamile Saied Méndez welcomes readers back to the ranch. Carolina's hope of opening up Paradise Ranch to everyone is coming true: the Unbridled Dreams program is ready to welcome its first sponsored student!Gisella Bassi seems like the perfect fit -- on paper, that is. When she arrives at Paradise Ranch, she's not as excited as everyone expects. She might even be... scared of the horses? But if their first student isn't a success, there's no way the program will continue. Can Caro and her new friend, Chelsie, agree on how to rope Gisella in?"

Yamile Saied Méndez (Author), Maria Liatis (Narrator)

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