An engaging performance by Cary Hite enlivens this accessible history of basketball for young listeners, with a focus on the men's game and an "overtime" section devoted to the women's. Hite narrates with relish and an audible appreciation for the sport's evolution from a glorified game of hot potato to today's fast-paced competitions. Hite gives listeners a courtside view of hardwood feats from legendary ballers as they elevate the game with signature moves and lead the way forward for successive generations of players alongside crucial developments, such as the introduction of shot clocks and the Harlem Globetrotters' skillful, exciting play style. This informative production, paired with a warm and assured narration, has appeal for all ages.
(Nonfiction. 9-13)Pub Date: 2026
Duration: 2 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668654729
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This is a very brief introduction to the 6,888th Central Postal Directory Battalion of WWII. Jade Wheeler narrates with crisp enunciation, slow pacing, and buoyant admiration for the work of the Black women serving in the newly desegregated U.S. Army. Letters from home were a great morale builder for the troops. The Six Triple Eight was deployed in the U.S. and overseas to manage the sorting and delivery of millions of pieces of backlogged mail. Although more than 850 women served, 6 individual service members are named during the story. Wheeler delivers their names in a tone of respect. The credits are accompanied by 1940s-style jazz music. The PDF included contains a timeline, a glossary, and further reading.
(Informational picture book. 6-9)Pub Date: 2025
Duration: 11 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063459748
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Every second of this dynamic production--from the bouncing notes of the opening theme to the last snapped finger--creates a musical soundscape. Narrator Karen Murray's sweet and steady tones guide the listener through a history of Black music told in rolling lines of poetry. Murray moves seamlessly from the talking drums of Africa through the origins of the blues, jazz, funk, and soul, and forward to the birth of hip-hop and rap, with many stops in between. The background accompaniment changes with each verse to reflect the topic. Instruments and vocals intertwine and dance together while keeping the narration front and center. The glossary ("musical notes") is straightforward but still impactful, offering the listener resources through which to enjoy the story even more.
(Informational picture book. 5-10)Pub Date: 2025
Duration: 47 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668647349
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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