TJ Crowley Audio Drama Named Audiobook of the Year by Independent Publisher Book Awards!

The Independent Publisher Book Awards, known as the “IPPYs,” honor the best independently published titles each year. The Outstanding Book of the Year categories highlight works that transcend genre, sparking conversation and change.

WICHITA, Kan. — The Real Education of TJ Crowley: Coming of Age on the Redline, a powerful full-cast audio adaptation of Grant Overstake’s historical novel, has been named the Outstanding Audiobook of the Year by the 2025 Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPYs)—the top honor for independently produced books and audiobooks.

Released in June 2024 and distributed globally by Blackstone Publishing, the audio drama had already earned critical acclaim—winning the 2025 Audie Award for Best Young Adult Audiobook as the only independent finalist, and receiving the AudioFile Earphones Award for outstanding production quality.

“It took us a minute to realize—this isn’t just an award, it’s the award for the audiobook of the year in independent publishing,” said Overstake, owner of Grain Valley Publishing. “For a small indie press, it’s a remarkable honor—but not surprising when you consider the incredible talent that brought TJ Crowley’s story to life.”

Set in Wichita in the wake of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, The Real Education of TJ Crowley follows a white teenager’s moral awakening as his family’s neighborhood undergoes profound change amid school integration, housing discrimination, and civic unrest. The story explores themes of racial inequality, moral responsibility, and the possibility of personal growth. Critics have likened it to To Kill a Mockingbird and Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry for its historical depth and emotional resonance.

Independently produced by Grain Valley Publishing and distributed by Blackstone Publishing, it was directed by May Wuthrich, who also produced with John Marshall Media, and worked with Overstake on the script adaptation. Its immersive format has struck a chord with young listeners, educators, and parents—sparking meaningful classroom conversations about empathy, civic courage, and turning points in American history.

The audiobook had already garnered critical acclaim earlier this year, winning the 2025 Audie Award for Best Young Adult Audiobook—where it stood out as the only independent finalist—and receiving the AudioFile Earphones Award for its exceptional production quality.

“This story matters because it speaks to the heart of who we are and who we can become,” said Wuthrich. “It’s about finding your voice in the face of injustice—and that message feels more urgent now than ever.”

Where to Download

• Amazon

• Barnes & Noble

• Audible

• Blackstone Publishing

• Downpour

• Spotify

Ask your Local Library

TJ Crowley is available in more places than ever, and you have choices on how to listen. You can download your own copy today or check it out from your local library. If your library doesn’t have TJ Crowley yet, librarians are amazing about adding award-winning audiobooks when you request them!

And if you prefer to support independent bookstores, you can find TJ Crowley on Libro.fm, the audiobook service that shares profits with local, independent bookstores instead of big corporations.

Founded by Grant and Claire Overstake in 2014, Grain Valley Publishing is an independent press based in Wichita, Kansas, dedicated to stories that foster empathy, community, and moral growth. Its award-winning titles are widely used in classrooms nationwide. Learn more at www.grainvalleypublishing.com.