Renée Watson narrates her semiautobiographical collection of free-verse and short-form poems, which introduce listeners to the lyricism of her writing. Her delivery features repeated rhythmic patterns, haunting repetitions, and startling imagery. Race, class, and gender are eloquently rendered in poems on possibility, resilience, celebration, and the power of womanhood. Topics reflected upon range from the simplicity of early perceptions to the complexity of issues like violence and brutality. Watson's voice is as deep and rich as her material; her poems embrace the innocence of her early life and later trials. Her lines of dialect sing with authenticity. Her intonations allow listeners to experience different connotations of the same word, and she varies her pacing to emphasize meaning.
(Poetry. 12-18)Pub Date: 2024
Duration: 1 hr
DD ISBN: 9780593820889
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This audio gem from Indigenous authors features stories in which elders offer guidance to young Native Americans. Various Native voices introduce listeners to Sandy June's Frybread Drive-In, known as SJ's, which magically opens whenever a teen faces a social challenge--for example, fitting in. An elder cooks while listening to the teen's concerns and offers advice. In "Kathy's Poem," an excellent writer is palpably terrified until performing at SJ's open mic. "Red Patent" features a Cherokee teacher condescendingly criticizing a Native student--both superbly rendered--then having a change of heart after both are stranded at SJ's. Traditional accents, dynamic portraits of young and old tribal members, and the author's note encouraging listeners to honor their elders ensure an unforgettable listening experience.
(Anthology. 13-18)Pub Date: 2025
Duration: 7 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063314290
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Tony Keith, Jr.--poet, rapper, and hip-hop educator--uses his cultural observations, edgy politics, and sharp ear for concise wordplay and fast rhymes to get the attention of the audience that needs him most: disenfranchised Black school kids he affectionately calls "knuckleheads." With brash and evocative poem titles like "If You Fail to Plan, Then Plan to Fail," "Because When I Write, I'm Dangerous," and "I Don't Have to Imagine Being Black," Keith weaves personal verses of navigating the world as a gay Black man with themes of healing and empowerment. Energetic, enthusiastic, and empathetic, Keith is a veteran of the slam poetry circuit, and one can imagine him commanding the stage like he commands this audiobook.
(Poetry. 14-18)Pub Date: 2025
Duration: 1 hr, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063296084
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
