In 1961, Castro successfully deployed hundreds of thousands of young people to bring literacy to all Cubans within one year. This fictionalized account features Lora, a 13-year-old "brigadista" from Havana who is assigned to teach, live, and work with an illiterate mountain family of farmers. Frankie Corzo's narration is spot-on. Her accented English is warm and clear, and her precise enunciation reflects the character of the intelligent and dutiful Lora, who believes firmly in her role as a teacher and literacy revolutionary for her country. Corzo's gentle voice communicates Lora's tenderness for her family and young brothers, her impatience with a fellow brigadista's romantic distractions, and her joyful pride as the adults under her tutelage learn to write their names. An inspirational and little-known piece of history.
(Historical fiction. 10-14)Pub Date: 2017
Duration: 4 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781543654967
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Narrator P.J. Ochlan embraces this spirited novel, documenting 11-year-old Rocco Zaccaro's adventures with such gusto and spunk that you'd swear you'd traveled back in time to 1887. The story begins with Rocco's removal from his home in Italy and his subsequent arrival in New York City, where he is to work as a street musician for his new padrone, Signor Ancarola. Ochlan paints a vivid picture of immigrant life and the trials Rocco undergoes trying to escape the horrible living conditions under his padrone. Capturing the characters' voices perfectly, Ochlan delivers Rocco's animated storytelling, the slang of his newfound gang of pickpockets, and the accents of the city's many immigrants, whether Irish, Scottish, German, English, or Italian. Historical notes, including a pickpocket's glossary, complete this excellent production.
(Historical fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: 2016
Duration: 7 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780147521477
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
John McDonough tells the oddball story of Prince Roger and his misbegotten quest for self-identity and true love. The story is amusing and at times inspiring as it follows Prince Roger on a three-year sojourn through the Forever Forest and across the Dastardly Divide as he seeks to transcend his clownish nature and find his destined love, Princess Petulia. Younger listeners will be enchanted by the whimsy and fantasy elements of this fairy tale and by McDonough's gentle style, while adults will enjoy Feiffer's tongue-in-cheek writing, metafictional asides, and profound insights about destiny, identity, and living happily ever after.
Ages 8+Pub Date: 2001
Duration: 4 hrs
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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