2017 Winner
"Anna and the Swallow Man” is written by Gavriel Savit, narrated by Allan Corduner and produced by Listening Library.
In the shadow of the Nazi invasion of Poland, Anna finds herself alone and follows a tall, mysterious stranger. Together, they embark on a journey of survival and self-discovery. Told in elegant language, this heartbreaking story explores a child’s coming-of-age in a war-torn landscape where nothing is as it seems.
2017 Honor Recording
“Ghost” written by Jason Reynolds, narrated by Guy Lockard and produced by Simon and Schuster Audio.
Ghost reconciles his troubled past and sprints into newfound friendship, confidence, and self-awareness. Guy Lockard’s energetic narration captures Ghost’s emotional sway, humor and transformation and authentically depicts a wide variety of character accents, tones, and vernacular.
“Dream On, Amber” written by Emma Shevah, narrated by Laura Kirman and produced by Recorded Books.
For Amber Alessandra Leola Kimiko Miyamoto, navigating school is not as challenging as discovering her role in her unconventional family. Amber’s audacious imagination leads to both trouble and a satisfying resolution. Laura Kirman becomes this spirited tween in a dynamic performance that highlights Amber’s humor, heart and multicultural heritage.
“Nimona” written by Noelle Stevenson, narrated by Rebecca Soler, Jonathan Davis, Marc Thompson, January LaVoy, Natalie Gold, Peter Bradbury, and David Pittu, and produced by HarperAudio.
A villain, a hero, a shapeshifting teen tell a story of adventure, danger... and Science! This full cast production brings to life the story, reminiscent of radio dramas. The addition of a narrator goes beyond the text, enhancing the listener's experience, and setting a new standard for audio graphic novels.
Members of the 2017 Odyssey Award Committee are Chair Lynn Piper Carpenter, Birmingham Public Library, Birmingham, Ala.; Kelley Beeson, Western Allegheny Community Library, Pittsburg, Pa.; Roxanne Hsu Feldman, The Dalton School, New York; Sarah Hashimoto, Jackson District Library, Jackson, Mich.; Christina Keasler, Glen Ellyn Public Library (Ill.); Natalie Marshall, Flint River Regional Library, Griffin, Ga.; Amanda L. S. Murphy, Warren-Trumbull County Public Library (Ohio); Lizzie Nolan, San José Public Library (Calif.); Toby Rajput, National Louis University Library, Skokie, Ill.; and Award Administrative Assistant Mariela Siegert, Westfield Middle School, Bloomingdale, Ill.