Raft Books is thrilled to announce the upcoming release of the audiobook version of “Wesley and the River Run,” a compelling young adult novel by Marc DeAngelo.

This heartwarming story, which resonates deeply with children who face learning differences in school, is set to come alive through the narration of Michael Leverone, a celebrated musician and experienced audiobook narrator from the Washington DC area.

Michael Leverone, known for his exceptional work on several Audible audiobooks, brings his unique talent to “Wesley and the River Run.” DeAngelo reflects on the moment he knew Leverone was the right narrator: “When hearing Michael’s performance on another book whose main characters were the same age as Wesley, I knew he was the right person for Wesley.” His belief in Leverone’s talent has been validated, and audiences can now enjoy an exclusive preview at WesleyAndTheRiverRun.com. “Listening to the teaser, the reader is left wanting more,” DeAngelo adds. “I was truly blessed to have Mr. Leverone be part of this project.”

Michael Leverone’s ability to embody the characters as if he had grown up alongside them is nothing short of magical. He captures the spirit of young adulthood with such depth and authenticity, making Wesley’s challenges and triumphs profoundly relatable and emotionally resonant. Marc DeAngelo continued, “Michael Leverone has a natural performance quality that comes from being a performing musician, but yet [he has] something that cannot be taught, only provided as a true gift. Michael brings the characters of Wesley and the River Run to life in a way that I hoped, but yet he has exceeded my expectations.”

Original Music by Marc DeAngelo

In a special collaboration, Marc DeAngelo himself has composed original music to accompany the narration. This adds an enriching layer of auditory experience, drawing listeners deeper into the world of Wesley and his adventures. DeAngelo’s longtime bandmates from Summer Rain join in, contributing their talents to create a soundtrack that perfectly complements the story’s emotional beats. “It has been amazing that everyone involved in this project are either teachers, musicians, artists, and sometimes all three,” DeAngelo notes, highlighting the collaborative process he employed in publishing Wesley.

Exclusive Preview!

We are excited to offer an exclusive preview of the first chapter of this enchanting audiobook. In this sample, listeners will experience Leverone’s wizardry with audio, complete with sound effects and music. The preview not only showcases Leverone’s narration but also highlights how seamlessly the original music by DeAngelo and the performances by Summer Rain enhance the storytelling.

In the preview clip, you’ll hear how Leverone vividly illustrates DeAngelo’s characters, making each one distinct and memorable. “Through his reading, he is truly performing and creating a movie in the listener’s mind,” DeAngelo says. Leverone’s voice captures the essence of Wesley’s journey, bringing so much heart and emotion to every scene. This sneak peek promises an immersive listening experience, setting the stage for an unforgettable audiobook.

“Wesley and the River Run” is a touching coming-of-age story that follows Wesley, a young boy navigating the complexities of school and life with learning differences. Through his journey, Wesley learns valuable lessons about self-acceptance, friendship, and perseverance. Marc DeAngelo’s writing offers both an empathetic portrayal of the struggles faced by children with learning challenges and an inspiring message of hope and resilience.

Stay Tuned for the Release

The audiobook of “Wesley and the River Run” is set to be released soon. Visit WesleyAndTheRiverRun.com for the official release date and further details. We can’t wait for you to experience this moving story in a new, dynamic format that blends narrative and emotion with musical artistry.