WE LIGHT UP THE SKY

Multiple perspectives enliven this science-fiction audiobook, narrated with poise and nuance by Almarie Guerra. Set in a near-future Los Angeles, the story focuses on an alien invasion as experienced by three Latinx teens: rule-abiding Luna, who's grieving her cousin's death from COVID-19; devoted Instagrammer Pedro, whose flamboyance hides a difficult homelife; and quiet Rafa, who's determined to protect his unhoused family. Guerra voices all three perspectives in the same smooth cadence, providing character voices and accents for dialogue. (This tactic is rendered chilling when Guerra portrays the alien "visitor," whose voice mimics those it hears.) Though the story's abrupt ending may cause some frustration, the audio experience is satisfying, especially for listeners who prefer inclusive, thought-provoking speculative stories. R.A.H. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2021]