With realism, honor and a lot of humor, this modern-day fable covers both the struggle of a young boy's coming of age and the principles of the African-American cultural celebration Kwanzaa. After tragedy strikes his small family, 13-year-old Jordan is at a crossroads: It's his time to become an honorable man like his father, but will he choose that path? Gregory T. Daniel's portrayal of Jordan makes listeners sympathetic to his difficult life choices. Through the guidance of a family friend, Jordan learns to apply the principles of Kwanzaa to his daily life and passes over the threshold of becoming a man. Daniel brings energy and reverence to a tale that will teach, as well as entertain, adults and children alike.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 1997
Duration: 1 hr, 30 mins
Publisher: Audio Literature
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Buckley offers a reasonable proposal for a national service program without jail or criminal penalties. Narrator Lawrence reads with a slow and careful announcer's voice; one wishes Buckley were reading this one himself. Books on Tape does its usual quality job with formatting, packaging and tape-turning instructions. The reader repeats the last sentence at such times, so you're sure you haven't missed anything. Popular nonfiction collections will appreciate Gratitude, and the topic is likely to prove timely in the years ahead.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 5 hrs
Publisher: Books on Tape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Kozol’s shocking exposé of inequities in the funding of our public schools contrasts white suburban schools with those serving black and Hispanic populations. Interviews with students, teachers, and school administrators add eloquent testimony to Kozol’s disturbing presentation of facts. Narration by Jack Winston is clear and brisk, but the pace is unrelenting, with little pause for transition between scenes or chapters. Winston’s cool, detached voice contrasts with Kozol’s impasssioned and outraged message. The sheer repetition and magnitude of Kozol’s damning evidence is numbing; the narration gives no relief. Powerful medicine, most easily taken in small doses. Music signalling tape changes is jarringly inappropriate.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 8 hrs
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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