UNDER THE NEON LIGHTS

Narrator Angel Pean brings to life this beautiful coming-of-age story written in verse. Jaelyn Coleman is 16 years old, and her world revolves around WestSide Roll, a roller skating rink in her community. Her parents met there, and they're the ones who taught her to skate. Her friendships are tied to skating. Her community remains linked because of the music, history, and connection the rink provides. So when the rink is closed because of gentrification, Jae must deal with the reality of her changing neighborhood and the impact on her life. Pean captures Jae's devastation, passion, and determination while also matching the tone and pacing of the story. Listeners will be immediately drawn in by Pean's emotional delivery. K.S.M. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2025]