A soft male Hispanic voice begins the multivoiced biography of Cuban poet Juan Francisco Manzano, who lived between 1797 and 1853. Gentle rhythms accentuate the lyricism of Manzano's uniquely beautiful view of the world. Passionate descriptions express his vibrant love of life, learning, and words, despite the limitations of his enslaved childhood. Only later does bitterness creep into his tones as his parents are freed and Juan must serve a second cruel, possessive mistress. The female narrators who portray Juan's two mistresses and his mother more strongly emphasize the poetic form of the text itself. They create haunting tones that convey the pride of Juan's mistresses and the awe his mother had for her son's gifts. This is an audio to be savored by poetry lovers of all ages.
Young AdultPub Date: May 12, 2009
Duration: 2 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
In 1832 thirteen-year-old Charlotte Doyle is sailing from Liverpool to Rhode Island to rejoin her family. Shocked to discover that the families who were to have been both guardians and companions will not accompany her, Charlotte embarks on a journey filled with terror and swashbuckling adventure. The first-person narrative makes this Newbery Honor book a wonderful choice for recording. O'Karma's reading, with its hint of cross-gender differentiation, allows the listener to feel as if Charlotte Doyle herself were relating the tale. This story should be particularly alluring to adolescent girls although the fast-paced action and the nautical setting will also appeal to male listeners. Ages 12-adult.
Ages 12+Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 6 hrs
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Lipica Shah's stirring narration of this YA biography showcases Emma Goldman's unshakable commitment to improving the lives of the oppressed. In 1885, Goldman immigrated to the U.S. from czarist Russia and became an ardent anarchist. A prolific writer and inspirational speaker, she gave hundreds of well-attended speeches each year. When quoting Goldman, Shah exudes the intensity of her quest to elevate America's working class. When quoting from any of the thousands of period newspaper articles about Goldman, Shah mimics their predominantly disapproving tone. Goldman was even imprisoned because of her progressive positions on government, workers' rights, sex, and birth control. Never deterred, Goldman was once considered the most dangerous woman in America.
(Biography. 14-18)Pub Date: Sept. 16, 2025
Duration: 10 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250415134
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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