This production opens with the voice of Justice Sonia Sotomayor explaining in a straightforward tone that, like gardens, children are full of variety. Her own childhood experience involved the finger pricks and insulin shots of diabetes, which made her feel isolated and different. Sotomayor urges listeners to ask questions when they encounter differences. The second narrator, Ali Stroker, portrays 11 children with medically related challenges ranging from asthma, nut allergy, ADHD, and Tourette's syndrome to using a guide dog or wheelchair. Stroker's voice is breezy and childlike. She moves briskly from one child to the next, propelled by questions such as "How do you get from place to place?" and "How do you use your senses?" Sotomayor champions the diversity in gardens and the unique qualities of each child.
(Informational picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Jan. 21, 2020
Duration: 11 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593216583
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Much has been written on Jackie Robinson's groundbreaking career and legacy, but it's nice to see a well-done synopsis covering the highlights of his life for young people. Narrator JD Jackson carries the story as he conveys the importance of Robinson's life without overdramatization. It covers Robinson's growing up, time in the Army, and deliberate recruitment for the purpose of breaking Major League baseball's color barrier. Jackson gives various players, coaches, and individuals--including Robinson's wife, Rachel--slight accents. His steady, animated narration reflects the well-researched book and is sure to hold the attention of both young and older listeners.
(Biography. 10-13)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2017
Duration: 2 hrs, 15 mins
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Classical music provides an enjoyable background to the story of Cecilia Chiang. She first watched cooking in her family home in China and then was introduced to its varied cuisine as she crossed the country during WWII. Later, she immigrated to the US. Cindy Kay's soft voice transmits Cecilia's dedication to the dishes she loves and grows stronger and more determined as she finds herself wanting to share them. The accuracy of Kay's accent and the descriptions of dishes as Chiang opens San Francisco's Mandarin, the first restaurant to treat Chinese food as fine dining, awakens listeners' taste buds, provides authenticity, and creates appreciation for Chiang's accomplishments.
(Picture-book biography. 5-10)Pub Date: April 29, 2025
Duration: 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668647394
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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