A chorus of voices welcomes listeners to Walter Dean Myers's and Christopher Myers's meditation on what it is to be American. Poems and quotes are delivered by a talented cast of narrators that reflect the diversity of the United States. Taken together, the words, thoughtful performances, snippets of music and sound effects, and illustrations form a moving and inspiring whole, painting an authentic and inclusive picture of a complex, ever-changing nation. This is an important audio program, and one that's ideal for hearing and reading together—as a family or in the classroom—and for inspiring discussion and sharing personal experiences. A foreword, read in the author's own deep voice, explains his impetus for writing WE ARE AMERICA ("No words here have been penned lightly, no flag waved mindlessly. This is simply my truest feelings for my country, my tribute to America."), and appendices at the end, also narrated, put the quotes in historical context and identify the people and events in Christopher Myers's evocative, mural-like illustrations. J.M.D. 2013 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine
(Picture book/poetry. 8 & up)Pub Date: 2012
Duration: 33 mins
DD ISBN:
Publisher: Live Oak Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Jeff Harding voices the many impactful moments of 1919 in this engaging nonfiction audiobook. From women activists fighting for the right to vote to the Red Scare and civil rights riots, Sandler draws parallels to today's social issues. Harding matches 1919's cadence with a forward-moving pace. He uses different accents for quotations, though the women and people of color might have been better served with a diverse cast. The asides and timelines that appear in the text also are in the audio. Full of fascinating stories put into a modern context, this audiobook offers much to learn about an eventful year and ponders the big questions of our current time.
(Nonfiction. 11-16)Pub Date: 2020
Duration: 5 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Orchestral music filled with the chirping of birds fades into the background as narrator John Pruden begins the story of Central Park in New York City. The two winners of the 1858 design contest, Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmsted, set out their vision on a ten-foot-long schematic of the new park they called The Greensward. Bubbling fountains, a myriad of bridges, and a skating park were on display, followed by the ungroomed Ramble, and, finally, the children's section. Pruden sets a brisk clip and in unassuming voice lets the story speak for itself. The rumbles of construction, excited voices, and additional orchestration provide background for young listeners. The production concludes with further information about Central Park and its creators.
(Informational picture book. 7-10)Pub Date: 2019
Duration: 23 mins
DD ISBN:
Publisher: Dreamscape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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