THE WAYFINDER

Teen Korero has never met a stranger; her isolated island community and talking parrot are her entire world. Narrator Waikamania Seve's low pitch and warm tone subtly reflect Korero's fear as island resources dwindle. The arrival of mysterious travelers from the wealthy but brutal Tongan empire offers her people a chance at survival. To save them, Korero must use the wisdom of her community's oral traditions to navigate a dangerous sea journey to Tonga and then survive its treacherous politics. Seve's voice grows more dynamic as Korero grows into a heroine, while narrator Caleb Teaupa brings to life the wider world of Tongan society. Both performers beautifully convey the sounds of Pacific islands--from the trilling birds to the crashing waves. V.E.G. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2025]