An MIT professor looks at what science has to say about educational systems and learning. His focus is how people learn practical problem solving, but he also wants to change how schools disadvantage students or deny them opportunities based on their test scores, gender, ethnicity, and/or socioeconomic status. Though the authors' writing can be tedious, narrator Neil Shah's beautiful timbre and lyrical phrasing lighten the listening. His gentle touch promotes engagement with the author's broad ideas and altruistic sensibilities. The history and research cited argue that outcomes are improved when schools focus on individual interests and collaboration with other students, rather than rigid curricula designed by a central authority. He offers compelling ideas on how to remedy the disparities he found and optimally combine online learning with direct teacher contact.
Pub Date: Aug. 18, 2020
Duration: 12 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593293379
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Kozol’s shocking exposé of inequities in the funding of our public schools contrasts white suburban schools with those serving black and Hispanic populations. Interviews with students, teachers, and school administrators add eloquent testimony to Kozol’s disturbing presentation of facts. Narration by Jack Winston is clear and brisk, but the pace is unrelenting, with little pause for transition between scenes or chapters. Winston’s cool, detached voice contrasts with Kozol’s impasssioned and outraged message. The sheer repetition and magnitude of Kozol’s damning evidence is numbing; the narration gives no relief. Powerful medicine, most easily taken in small doses. Music signalling tape changes is jarringly inappropriate.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 8 hrs
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A must-listen capturing the current labor crisis and the rapidly changing demographic makeup of those who seek to unionize.
André Santana's performance succinctly conveys the spirit of this audiobook about modern-day organizing and unionizing. Listeners experience a boots-on-the-ground view via firsthand accounts from employees depicting their shared struggle at several globally recognized companies. The staffers represent the modern face of employment: college-educated baristas, technology representatives, and video game designers, all carrying heavy loads of college debt. Meanwhile, they face dwindling commitment from their employers who, more and more, communicate to workers that what they do has no value. Santana's voice embodies the anger and desire for change that motivates workers to come together. Listeners interested in the rise of powerhouse corporate brands like Starbucks and Apple shouldn't miss this audiobook.
A must-listen capturing the current labor crisis and the rapidly changing demographic makeup of those who seek to unionize.Pub Date: April 7, 2026
Duration: 10 hrs, 18 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250436139
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: April 21, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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