2012 “Voices of the Year: Children and Family Listening”

STORM RUNNERS

by: Roland Smith

THE SUMMER OF RILEY

by Eve Bunting

I-HOTEL

by Karen Tei Yamashita

LET THE GREAT WORLD SPIN

by: Colum McCann

2011 “Voices of the Year: Children and Family Listening”

GUYS READ:

THRILLER

LISTEN

LOST IN THE SUN

by Linda Graff

FREAKS: ALIVE, ON THE INSIDE by  Annette Curtis Klause

“...It's easy to see why de Ocampo has already won awards for his audiobook narrations--what a talent! His reading is fully voiced and his delivery is completely effortless. The voices he creates are totally unique for each character, yet sound easy and natural, even those that are rough-edged or raspy. In this story de Ocampo voices an amazing range of characters, including a bearded lady dwarf, a hermaphrodite, and a puppy boy, making them all completely believable...” - School Library Journal

“...Ramon de Ocampo engages listeners with Abel's first-person voice, which brims with awe, hope, and, most importantly, teenage hormones. De Ocampo handles Abel admirably, with good inflection and vocal characterization” - AudioFile Magazine

for FIRESTORM by David Klass

Ramon de Ocampo's vibrant, youthful voice perfectly executes Jack's point of view. From the action scenes to the contemplative moments, de Ocampo provides the right emphasis, pitch, and seriousness. With all the passion of a confused and frustrated teenager, de Ocampo infuses this first-person narration with a tonal range that genuinely embodies Jack. - AudioFile magazine

THE SUMMER OF RILEY by Eve Bunting *winner of Audiofile Earphones Award

“Bunting writes a beautiful story, and de Ocampo brings it brilliantly to life. Of particular merit is the re-creation of William's internal dialogues as he reasons right from wrong when his dog attacks a defenseless old horse. De Ocampo keeps the story moving along on a lighter note as we meet William's friend, Grace, who is his opposite. While the children fight to save the dog, there is a great deal of dialogue, which greatly benefits from vocalization. The tale, which keeps you on the edge until the very end, should help anyonecoping with grief and loss.”  Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award - Audiofile Magazine

THIS IS WHERE I LEAVE YOU by Jonathan Tropper

“Narrator Ramon de Ocampo gives a subtly nuanced rendering of Jonathan Tropper's family story involving a distressed and insecure man whose father has just died and whose wife is sleeping with his insufferable boss...De Ocampo reveals the various characters involved in the family shiva with a degree of variation in tone and voice that doesn't call attention to itself while delineating identity and gender....I finished listening to this book a week ago and it is still on my mind. The story is terrific and would be a good read, but then you would miss the superb narration by Ramon de Ocampo who really brings the Foxman family to life. A definite 5 star listen.”  -AudioFile Magazine

DIARY OF A WIMPY KID series by Jeff Kinney

“...In a voice that brings to mind Holden Caulfield and David Sedaris rolled into one...Narrator Ramon de Ocampo is completely tuned in to Greg's angst-filled point of view. Though Greg is not always what you'd call a sympathetic character, de Ocampo's well-dramatized, insightful presentations of his various plights evoke our empathy--and laughter.” - AudioFile

ALCATRAZ VS THE EVIL LIBRARIANS series by Brandon Sanderson

“Ramon de Ocampo balances the ironic tones of the teen Alcatraz, the dry wit of the world rescuers, the malevolence of the librarians, and the hautiness of time-traveling dinosaurs and other hilarious, baleful critters. De Ocampo’s straightforward narration of the most absurd of tales works splendidly.” -Audiofile magazine

The Storm Runners Series by Roland Smith

“Ramón de Ocampo steadily narrates horrific events that range from electrocution to gators and escaped tigers. Chase’s voice reflects the calm he imposes on himself, aided by his father’s imagined advice, which plays in his head.  Narrator Ramon de Ocampo’s consistent and distinct characterizations help listeners get a bearing on the life-threatening situations and large cast of characters. His narration matches the intensity of the story.” -Audiofile Magazine

NEVER FALL DOWN by Patricia McCormick

“Narrator Ramon de Ocampo splendidly captures Arn's broken English and mischievous personality, along with his dawning realization that he and his fellow prisoners are NOT going to be returning home in three days’ time. As atrocities mount, de Ocampo vividly portrays the characters’ reactions.” - Audiofile Magazine

STEALING AIR by Trent Reedy

Ramon de Ocampo gives an energetic and compelling performance...De Ocampo's dynamic changes in pitch and volume make it easy to distinguish between the characters: Brian himself, who struggles to fit in; his father, who is anxious about work; Alex, who is laid-back but undependable; and Max, who is geeky and speaks deliberately. De Ocampo's enthusiasm, clear enunciation, and skillful pacing dramatize the exhilaration of a common goal as Brian and his friends leave behind the pressures of school by escaping into the air in a homemade airplane. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award

LOST IN THE SUN by Lisa Graff

“...The success of this audiobook is in its nuanced layers of meaning and emotion, all delivered appropriately in Ramon de Ocampo’s narration. His enactment of Trevor’s first-person narration is a mix of snark and misery, both crucial for balancing the deep feelings with moments of levity. De Ocampo’s on-target portrayals of secondary characters provide contrast and allow listeners to see the truths this unreliable narrator doesn’t always acknowledge—the support he receives from his mother, older brother, and teachers; the coldness of his father; and, most memorably, the significance of Fallon, a girl with terrible facial scars and no self-pity. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award”- Audiofile Magaziine

SMALLER AND SMALLER CIRCLES by F.H. Batacan

In this Filipino crime novel, Ramon de Ocampo hits all the right emotional notes. As two Jesuit priests seek to avenge poor children who are being killed for their organs, the story details are so vivid that squeamish listeners should beware. De Ocampo's flexible characterizations and consistent pace pull listeners into the dangerous chase. The listener's horror mounts as the crimes escalate, made worse by the persistent reminders that the victims are children. Fans of forensics investigations will find much to admire in this title. - AudioFile Magazine

CROSSING THE WIRE by Will Hobbs

“...No matter what one's political sensibilities, Ramon de Ocampo's performance as Victor Flores, an impoverished Mexican attempting to enter the U.S., brings a human face to the issue of illegal immigration. De Ocampo's narration vividly portrays the desperation of a young boy struggling to evade the border control as he contends with the corruption of the coyotes who promise to smuggle him into El Norte. The listener endures gnawing hunger, shivers in bone-chilling weather, and experiences the terror of the hunted in this convincing performance. Though the story may be commonplace and all too familiar, de Ocampo's sympathetic rendering of Victor's trials paints a compelling portrait of the less fortunate striving to survive in a hostile world...”-AudioFile Magazine

THE MAGNIFICENT 12 by Michael Grant

“Ramon de Ocampo gives a rousing presentation of the first in the series of adventures of 12-year-old Mack MacAvoy. Mack is “pretty medium” on every scale—a medium-happy kid who has medium brains and medium looks. But one day he learns that he’s one of the Magnificent 12, and he's being called upon to set aside his "mediumness" to track down the other 11 members, who will join him to save the world from an evil force. De Ocampo’s narration is far from a medium telling of the story. With a quick pace, he conveys the humor that helps Mack deal with new challenges and the combination of fear and excitement that drives pretty much everything that Mack does.” -Audiofile magazine.

MARVIN AND THE MOTHS

By Matthew Holm, Jonathan Follet

HELLO, UNIVERSE

by Erin Entrada Kelly

RESTART

by Gordon Korman

For narration/ VO inquiries, including recording and producing, as well as audiobook narration coaching, please email:  HERE

THE DIRTBIKE DETECTIVE

by Douglas L. Hoover

ABUELA, DON’T FORGET ME

by: Rex Ogle

ACTS OF VIOLET

by: Margariita Montimore

PUNCHING BAG

by: Rex Ogle

BROWN BOY, NOWHERE

by: Sheeryl Lim

THE PENGUIN BOOK OF MODERN AMERICAN SHORT STORY

editor: John Freeman

PATRON SAINTS OF NOTHING

by Randy Ribay

Free Lunch

by: Rex Ogle

WE DREAM OF SPACE

by:Erin Entrada Kelly

RED, WHITE, AND ROYAL BLUE

by: Casey McQuiston

WE DREAM OF SPACE

by: Erin Entrada Kelly

STEALING AIR

by: Trent Reedy

FREE LUNCH by Rex Ogle

Narrator Ramón de Ocampo’s use of accents and emotions adds much to Rex Ogle’s middle school memoir. De Ocampo defines Rex’s Latinx mother and her stuttering boyfriend with characteristic accents, but even more by their anger, which goes from mean to menacing. His little brother’s innocent comments offer relief from the frequent tension in the story. De Ocampo excels at reflecting Rex’s wide range of feelings—his shame of his family’s poverty, fear of his mother’s growing anger, and frustration with the prejudice of a teacher and the lack of empathy from the lunch lady, who consistently announces his free-lunch status. De Ocampo excels at portraying Rex’s growing trust in his developing friendship with Ethan. Listener warning: The abuse and ugliness in this memoir are poignantly and beautifully depicted and may be disturbing. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award

PUNCHING BAG by Rex Ogle

Ramon de Ocampo, who vividly rendered Ogle's first memoir, narrates the second with the same keenness. The author warns of his story's intensity and the hope it can offer, and de Ocampo's portrayals increase its rawness and promise. Rex is now entering high school; his poverty has abated as both of his parents are working. The domestic violence in his family, however, has reached new heights. The audio begins with a haunting flashback as Rex, at age 7, learns of his infant sister's death. This memory weaves in and out of the narrative. De Ocampo's characterizations are as rounded and as complex as the people he is portraying. Rex's furious, stuttering stepfather shows occasional tenderness and self-hatred. Rex's Latina mother's passion is as constant as her moods are erratic. Most poignant are Rex's dedication to his brother and his own growth. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award

ABUELA, DON’T FORGET ME by Rex Ogle

This heartfelt performance by Ramón de Ocampo is a tribute to grandparents who unconditionally love their grandchildren. The author's abuela was a never-ending source of support when his own parents weren't there for him. De Ocampo lovingly performs extremely emotional scenes that recount well-paced yet scattered memories of Ogle's life. De Ocampo expresses the strife and youthful ignorance Ogle stumbles through as his grandmother teaches him about his Latino heritage and his mother's absence. De Ocampo skillfully dives into the deep trauma Ogle experienced yet lifts the performance with the bright, wistful narration of Rex's abuela, a patient and kind woman. This moving audiobook is bittersweet and will evoke appreciation and nostalgia for those privileged with incredible grandparents. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award

WE DREAM OF SPACE by Erin Entrada Kelly

Ramon de Ocampo infuses his narration of this emotionally powerful story with direct and subtle emotions that define the three Nelson-Thomas siblings and their middle school experience. The story begins in January 1986 with the excitement of the CHALLENGER mission and ends with its tragedy. As the siblings’ parents’ domestic tragedies dominate the children, 12-year-old twins Fitch and Bird both suffer. Bird, absorbed in all things science, lacks confidence in her appearance and finds comfort in imaginary conversations with CHALLENGER shuttle commander Judith Resnick. Her twin, Fitch, is as quick at playing video games as he is to fly off the handle in anger. Their brother, 13-year-old Cash, who is repeating the year with his two siblings, feels like a failure and hates school. De Ocampo delves meaningfully into the separate lives of each child until they, finally, come together in unity. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award, 2021 Audies Finalist

BROWN BOY NOWHERE by Sheeryl Lim

Narrator Ramón de Ocampo is a one-man teen cast in this fresh send-up of high school insiders and outsiders. Filipino-American skater Angelo Rivera is devastated when his family moves from San Diego to the middle of nowhere. De Ocampo is equally at ease with Angelo's constant jokes and his mother's emotional Tagalog outbursts. Enduring racist bullying and microaggressions, Angelo gradually warms up to his new home. He becomes the reluctant leader of a group of outsiders, including graffiti artist Kirsten, who rally against the powerful jocks. De Ocampo's squeaky timbre and gentle Southern accent for band geek Larry paint a crystal clear picture. His many character voices always find the balance between iconic and realistic. In the end, all of the characters show heartfelt growth. S.T.C. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award

PATRON SAINTS OF NOTHING by Randy Ribay

Narrator Ramón de Ocampo expresses the many emotional shifts of Jay Reguero. The audiobook begins with Jay's early memory of connection with his compassionate cousin, Jun, while visiting the Philippines, where he is originally from. Now 17, Jay finds himself unmotivated by college acceptance and dulled by video games. De Ocampo juxtaposes this fog with a rush of feelings when Jay learns of his cousin's murder by the Filipino police for supposed drug use. Jay's determination to discover the truth ends in a return to the Philippines and a change that affects him and his Filipino and American family members. De Ocampo enacts the gripping tension of President Duterte's power, Jun's father's support of the regime, and family schisms. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award

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