Can you say "red wiggler worms" in a way that no one will forget? Narrator Peter Jay Fernandez can! He brings drama to the inspirational story of former basketball player and MacArthur award recipient Will Allen and his quest to bring fresh vegetable gardening into the urban setting. Cherishing the gardening, food, and friendship of his childhood, Will has a vision of "city farms as common as street lights and every table covered with good food." Fernandez's voice is firm, and his narration purposeful. He lets questions percolate: "HOW could Will farm in the middle of pavement and parking lots?", for example. Background music and sound effects accompany the story. To complete the production, Allen adds an afterword, and author Jacqueline Briggs Martin shares her thoughts.
(Picture book/biography. 6-11)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2014
Duration: 18 mins
Publisher: Live Oak Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Much has been written on Jackie Robinson's groundbreaking career and legacy, but it's nice to see a well-done synopsis covering the highlights of his life for young people. Narrator JD Jackson carries the story as he conveys the importance of Robinson's life without overdramatization. It covers Robinson's growing up, time in the Army, and deliberate recruitment for the purpose of breaking Major League baseball's color barrier. Jackson gives various players, coaches, and individuals--including Robinson's wife, Rachel--slight accents. His steady, animated narration reflects the well-researched book and is sure to hold the attention of both young and older listeners.
(Biography. 10-13)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2017
Duration: 2 hrs, 15 mins
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Classical music provides an enjoyable background to the story of Cecilia Chiang. She first watched cooking in her family home in China and then was introduced to its varied cuisine as she crossed the country during WWII. Later, she immigrated to the US. Cindy Kay's soft voice transmits Cecilia's dedication to the dishes she loves and grows stronger and more determined as she finds herself wanting to share them. The accuracy of Kay's accent and the descriptions of dishes as Chiang opens San Francisco's Mandarin, the first restaurant to treat Chinese food as fine dining, awakens listeners' taste buds, provides authenticity, and creates appreciation for Chiang's accomplishments.
(Picture-book biography. 5-10)Pub Date: April 29, 2025
Duration: 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668647394
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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