How do you teach the story of slavery in America? That's the challenge addressed in this inspired poem narrated by Stacy Gonzalez. A teacher discusses the painful truths about slavery with her class of incredulous students who try to comprehend the horror, the sadness, and their teacher's distress. As Gonzalez speaks in tones taut with emotion, a sense of foreboding and fear is enhanced by agitated drumbeats in the background. Gonzales does minimal character differentiation. She lets the words and their meaning command all the attention. Gradually, the voices grow more confident and defiant--affirming that people must speak out about slavery's impact on history. Listeners may want the print book's illustrations at hand to further their understanding of the text and the endnotes.
(Informational picture book. 6-10)Pub Date: Jan. 3, 2023
Duration: 11 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668621165
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Jeff Harding voices the many impactful moments of 1919 in this engaging nonfiction audiobook. From women activists fighting for the right to vote to the Red Scare and civil rights riots, Sandler draws parallels to today's social issues. Harding matches 1919's cadence with a forward-moving pace. He uses different accents for quotations, though the women and people of color might have been better served with a diverse cast. The asides and timelines that appear in the text also are in the audio. Full of fascinating stories put into a modern context, this audiobook offers much to learn about an eventful year and ponders the big questions of our current time.
(Nonfiction. 11-16)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2020
Duration: 5 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Orchestral music filled with the chirping of birds fades into the background as narrator John Pruden begins the story of Central Park in New York City. The two winners of the 1858 design contest, Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmsted, set out their vision on a ten-foot-long schematic of the new park they called The Greensward. Bubbling fountains, a myriad of bridges, and a skating park were on display, followed by the ungroomed Ramble, and, finally, the children's section. Pruden sets a brisk clip and in unassuming voice lets the story speak for itself. The rumbles of construction, excited voices, and additional orchestration provide background for young listeners. The production concludes with further information about Central Park and its creators.
(Informational picture book. 7-10)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2019
Duration: 23 mins
Publisher: Dreamscape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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