Narrator Lisa Renee Pitts channels the author's outrage at this true story of prosecutorial and judicial overreach. The allegations in the 2013 Atlanta schools cheating scandal were shocking enough--that teachers and administrators had plotted to change standardized test answers to make it appear that students performed better than they actually did. Educators went to prison over this--a few were sentenced to 20 years. Author Shani Robinson is one of the convicted. She maintains her innocence and develops a convincing argument that the real cheats are the ones who grab public school funding for other purposes and who develop spurious measures for teacher performance. Pitts's narration is excellent. She maintains a tone of genuine disbelief and wonder at the situation. Her narration enhances this story of ignoble events.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2019
Duration: 11 hrs
Publisher: Beacon Press
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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