This is a wonderful collection of short, easy biographical sketches of women who have affected the history of the world--whether they were born to power or came to it by the strength of their own personalities. The mixture of basic facts with tidbits of personal information, or gossip, makes the selections interesting and easy to listen to, while providing much food for thought about the lives of women--and who has wielded power--through the centuries. Melissa Hughes's narration is a perfect fit. She reads clearly and concisely, enunciating each word. Her pace is steady, and her words are forceful, adding strength to each woman's story. Her accents, when quoting the women themselves, are faint but accurate, giving the listener a sense of the culture and setting of that time and place in history. A helpful addition for the audiobook would be an insert, or place on the bookjacket, listing all the women included, plus the dates of their lives, which are given briefly on the tape. Still, this is an excellent selection for beginning women's studies.
Ages 8+Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2001
Duration: 2 hrs
Publisher: Audio Bookshelf
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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