Corey Allen's voice talents shine in this production, which covers a few critical months in the Civil Rights Movement—from the Memphis trash collector strike in early 1968 through Martin Luther King, Jr.'s, tragic assassination later that spring. Allen's pacing is excellent throughout, particularly his thoughtful, well-placed pauses, which emphasize pivotal moments and key facts. He handles a variety of firsthand accounts—from that of an experienced female marcher to that of the mayor of Memphis—with ease. Rather than try to emulate King, which would be nearly impossible, Allen uses the depth and richness of his own voice to bring life to the charismatic civil rights leader's words. This short production does a superb job making an important period in American history compelling for today's young listeners.
(Nonfiction. 10-14)Pub Date: Feb. 4, 2013
Duration: 2 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781470341862
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Compelling, emotional, and well researched, this audiobook brings to life the stories of four young people from abolitionist families. Using primary sources to highlight the tumult of the time period leading up to and during the Civil War, the coming-of-age story focuses on Lewis Douglass, son of Frederick Douglass; George Garrison, son of William Lloyd Garrison; Lucy McKim, daughter of Miller McKim; and Charlotte Forten, granddaughter of James Forten. A talented team of narrators-- including the author--do an excellent job of communicating the fear, sadness, determination, and hope of those who were entrenched in the fight against slavery. Listeners will be inspired by this story of family, activism, and legacy.
(Nonfiction. 14-18)Pub Date: June 10, 2025
Duration: 7 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217074419
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Listeners will be entranced by the melodic and articulate voice of narrator Angel Pean as she recounts the miserable upbringing, rewarding career, and personal relationships of Lorena Hickok, who was known by many as "Hick." This audiobook reveals not only Hick's ambition for excellence in her writing and journalism career but also the love and admiration she shared with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. After they met, Roosevelt continued to lean on and confide in Hick throughout her husband's path to Washington and, eventually, the White House. It became a romance like no other, especially in the 1930s and '40s, when FDR made major decisions that changed the trajectory of the U.S. forever. Pean delivers a true narrative of an accomplished and passionate individual.
(Nonfiction. 12-18)Pub Date: May 27, 2025
Duration: 12 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798217069750
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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