Narrator Robin Eller brings a straightforward tone to this Young Reader's biography of Ona Judge; the adult version was a finalist for the National Book Award. Ona is Martha Washington's enslaved maid. In that role she travels with the Washingtons to Philadelphia, the seat of the U.S. government, prior to her escape to New Hampshire and subsequent life as a free woman. Eller tells the story (and what a story it is) with steady pacing and clarity to which she adds a modicum of emphasis when the author is underscoring the significance of various passages--for example, the observations that Ona always walks behind Martha Washington, is a person who is present but absent, and tends to Martha's needs rather than her own. Another part that Eller ensures is noted is George Washington's plan to keep the couple's slaves from gaining freedom during the Philadelphia years. Listeners have much to consider.
(Biography. 9-13)Pub Date: Jan. 8, 2019
Duration: 5 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781508278306
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Ken Coleman's expertise as a baseball announcer enriches this history of the Boston Red Sox since the sale of Babe Ruth to the N.Y. Yankees. He leads off with a grim account of this transaction, which started the curse that has plagued the Red Sox ever since. The sermon-like tone will amuse non-believers and comfort listeners who are certain the team is cursed. Like the ups and downs of Boston's play through the years, the narrator's voice fluctuates--exuberant and then despondent--in tone and tempo accurately reflecting the mood of any given baseball season. The narrator is very successful at conveying the emotional roller coaster ride Red Sox fans have endured as a result of the curse of the Bambino.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: HighBridge Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A fresh, dynamic interpretation of Woodson's poetry.
Woodson originally narrated her memoir in 2014, and this updated production features a lively chorus of voices, a new bonus chapter, and testimonies about the legacy of Brown Girl Dreaming. The audiobook opens with spare guitar music, and Woodson narrates her new, emotion-filled introduction. The chorus—Denée Benton, Marley Dias, Dominique Fishback, Big Freedia, Montego Glover, Nicole Ari Parker, Tika Sumpter, and Lena Waithe—then jumps in, each contributor delivering one poem and passing the mic to another voice for the next. The variety of voices adds a little spice, as their narration styles are very different from one another. Snappy musical interludes by Toshi Reagon feature before each section.
A fresh, dynamic interpretation of Woodson's poetry. (Memoir/poetry. 8-12)Pub Date: May 12, 2026
Duration: 4 hrs, 11 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217175611
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: May 22, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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