Alaska Jackson differentiates the many characters, past and present, in this audiobook, especially the heroines who take center stage. Jackson clearly defines the courage of Blossom, the progenitor of a Black acting dynasty. In the Golden Age of Hollywood, Blossom is a trailblazing role model for female actors of color and generations later for her great-granddaughters, Hollis and Ardith. Jackson convincingly depicts the two present-day cousins, who are inspired by and grieving for their great-grandmother as they attempt to take control of their lives, which are constantly subjected to the downsides of fame. Blossom's story is the most captivating, but Hollis and Ardith have stories worth hearing. Regardless of character or era, Jackson's portrayals come alive, especially in the vivid dialogues.
(Fiction. 14-18)Pub Date: Oct. 3, 2023
Duration: 11 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063091627
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Listeners follow Merry, the longbow girl, one of the best archers in her town. When she finds a magical portal in the forest that takes her back to sixteenth-century Wales, she must use her skills to win an archery contest in order to help her ancestors keep their land. While narrator Emily Wilden brings protagonist Merry to life with a rich Welsh accent, her narration seems uneven at times. All the period characters have accents that reflect the setting of the story and transport listeners to Wales. Listeners who enjoy historical fiction and a bit of fantasy will be charmed by this tale of determination, hope, and family.
Young AdultPub Date: N/A
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781501916793
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
In 1832 thirteen-year-old Charlotte Doyle is sailing from Liverpool to Rhode Island to rejoin her family. Shocked to discover that the families who were to have been both guardians and companions will not accompany her, Charlotte embarks on a journey filled with terror and swashbuckling adventure. The first-person narrative makes this Newbery Honor book a wonderful choice for recording. O'Karma's reading, with its hint of cross-gender differentiation, allows the listener to feel as if Charlotte Doyle herself were relating the tale. This story should be particularly alluring to adolescent girls although the fast-paced action and the nautical setting will also appeal to male listeners. Ages 12-adult.
Ages 12+Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 6 hrs
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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