by Gary D. Schmidt ; illustrated by Daniel Minter ; read by Channie Waites ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 22, 2018
Narrator Channie Waites captures the pain, struggle, and ultimate triumph of a New York slave named Isabella, who later became known as Sojourner Truth. With precise, clear diction, Waites delivers the dramatic story of Isabella's fight for her and her son's freedom, emphasizing the impassioned quality of Schmidt's evocative prose. Waites uses distinct timbres and cold tones to depict the white master and his wife who enslaved Isabella. Later in her life, Truth walked thousands of miles across the country advocating for an end to slavery. This audiobook especially shines when Waites delivers Truth's own words, taken from her speeches. A biographical note gives more context to the story of this strong and influential historical figure.
(Picture book/biography. 6-12)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2018
Duration: 29 mins
DD ISBN: 9781980006336
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
by Dan Shaughnessy ; illustrated by C.F. Payne ; read by Ken Coleman ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A
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
Awards & Accolades
Our Verdict
GET IT
by Jacqueline Woodson ; read by Denée Benton , Marley Dias , Dominique Fishback , Big Freedia , Montego Glover , Nicole Ari Parker , Tika Sumpter , Lena Waithe & Jacqueline Woodson ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 12, 2026
A fresh, dynamic interpretation of Woodson's poetry.
Awards & Accolades
Our Verdict
GET IT
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.
Hey there, book lover.
We’re glad you found a book that interests you!
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Trouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Trouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Don’t fret. We’ll find you.