Inspired by former football player Emmanuel Acho's popular video series, this audiobook is aimed primarily at young listeners who are unfamiliar with the basic concepts, history, and effects of systemic racism in America. The intent is to help kids along "the road to antiracist allyship," and narrator Landon Woodson supports this intent with the serious, encouraging tone of a friendly coach. While he covers topics that are complicated and often grim, Woodson's conversational style keeps the material grounded, and his pacing is slow enough to follow yet brisk enough that it doesn't lapse into a lecture. This adaptation may not be the most comprehensive audiobook about racism for kids, but it provides a solid listening experience, making it a useful tool for youth, caregivers, and educators.
(Nonfiction. 10-14)Pub Date: May 4, 2021
Duration: 5 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781250802149
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This heartfelt story full of family, friendship, leadership, and belonging is sure to be a home run with young sports fans.
It was supposed to be the best summer ever for 12-year-old Trip, but his plans go awry in this production expertly narrated by Jeff Ebner. This is Trip’s last year to play baseball with his dad’s coaching and his best friends on his team. Ebner captures Trip’s disappointment when he learns his dad’s military unit is being deployed to a remote location. Trip feels extra pressure both at home, when his mother tasks him with supervising his younger sisters and aging grandfather, and on the field, where his slot as team manager is tenuous. And then a new girl player sparks discord within the team. Ebner captures Trip’s turmoil in this first-person account of rising to meet unexpected challenges.
This heartfelt story full of family, friendship, leadership, and belonging is sure to be a home run with young sports fans. (Fiction. 9-13)Pub Date: May 5, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 16 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217411191
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: July 7, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2026
Edwards gives a soulful performance.
Young Juniper visits her grandmother's house, where Grandma tells her about their ancestors from Africa and their practice of hoodoo. Together, Juniper and Grandma tend to the garden, go for walks in the woods, attend church, create herb-filled mojo bags, and visit the cemetery to place offerings for their ancestors, whom Grandma says are always with them. Narrator Janina Edwards conveys Grandma’s wisdom with an earthy and relaxed narration, expressing a clear connection with the natural world, a refuge for both of them. Edwards also handily portrays Juniper's sense of wonder as she navigates this spiritual connection, inspiring listeners to pay attention to the world around them.
Edwards gives a soulful performance. (Picture book. 6-8)Pub Date: April 7, 2026
Duration: 13 mins
DD ISBN: 9798349168703
Publisher: Dreamscape
Review Posted Online: June 2, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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