We Rise, We Resist, We Raise Our Voices Audiobook by Cheryl Willis Hudson - editor, Wade Hudson - editor

Summary

Prepare to embark on an extraordinary journey through the pages of this captivating audiobook. Whether you’re an avid reader or a newcomer to the world of audiobooks, this unique listening experience is sure to leave a lasting impression. With a perfect blend of engaging storytelling and skilled narration, this audiobook transports you into a realm where the boundaries between reality and fantasy seamlessly blur.

Audiobook Info

Author: Cheryl Willis Hudson – editor, Wade Hudson – editor
Narrator: Adenrele Ojo, Bahni Turpin, Darrell Dennis, Dominic Hoffman, Guy Lockard, January LaVoy, Jennifer Lim, Kyla Garcia, N’Jameh Camara, Paul Robeson, Soneela Nankani, Sullivan Jones, Various
Duration: 5 hours and 45 minutes
Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers
Release Date: October 3, 2017

Review

If ever there were an audiobook that felt like both a rallying cry and a comforting embrace, We Rise, We Resist, We Raise Our Voices would be it. The moment you press play on this anthology – edited with care by Cheryl Willis Hudson and Wade Hudson – you’re swept into an auditory tapestry stitched together by some of children’s literature’s most revered voices. But what truly sets this collection apart isn’t just its content; it’s the masterful performance delivered by its diverse cast of narrators.

The narration here is nothing short of phenomenal. Bahni Turpin lends warmth and gravity to every line she reads; January LaVoy anchors each story with poised precision; Guy Lockard infuses poems with raw vulnerability; Adenrele Ojo wraps wisdom in gentle tones that feel as if they’re spoken directly from one heart to another. Each narrator becomes a guiding star within their segment – distinct in style yet unified in purpose – creating an emotional resonance that lingers long after listening. Their performances elevate every poem and essay beyond words on a page: stories become lived experiences.

As for the content itself: this collection gathers over sixty contributors – including Jacqueline Woodson, Jason Reynolds, Kwame Alexander – to answer the urgent question: “What do we tell our children in times like these?” The answers come in many forms – poems that shimmer with hope; essays pulsing with activism; letters brimming with encouragement – and never shy away from difficult truths about racism, xenophobia, injustice or identity. Yet the tone remains ultimately empowering: young listeners (and adults alike) are invited not only to grapple with these realities but also to imagine how their voices might shape change.

This anthology refuses to underestimate its audience. It trusts children – and those guiding them – to wrestle with complexity rather than settle for simplicity. Rita Williams-Garcia’s call for unity (“We, The People”), Jacqueline Woodson’s meditation on kindness (“Kindness Is a Choice”), Ellen Oh’s stirring reminder that “Words Have Power” – each piece feels perfectly pitched for sparking meaningful conversation at home or school. Short entries make it ideal for classroom discussion or bedtime reflection without sacrificing depth.

The rhythm of the production is another triumph: moments of buoyant optimism alternate with poignant introspection. Musical interludes (notably Paul Robeson’s “Get on Board”) add texture and urgency; quieter reflections invite listeners to pause and process – a rarity in children’s nonfiction that truly values emotional engagement.

It should be noted that while overwhelmingly inspiring and hopeful, some segments address tough topics head-on – which may be intense or even triggering for sensitive younger listeners. For families navigating challenging conversations about justice or identity, however, this honesty is an asset rather than a drawback.

By the closing poem – Arnold Adoff’s gentle ode to love and hope – the cumulative effect is clear: We Rise… isn’t just for children seeking reassurance but for anyone searching for solidarity amid uncertainty. Listening feels like joining hands around a communal fire – a chorus reminding us we’re stronger together when we choose empathy and courage.

Awards such as the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Author Award underscore its literary merit – but it’s the lived impact on listeners that truly makes it shine.

Download & Listen

If you’re looking for more than entertainment – for an audiobook that uplifts while challenging you to think deeply – We Rise, We Resist, We Raise Our Voices belongs at the top of your list. Its heartfelt performances and empowering messages make it essential listening for families and educators alike – or simply anyone who believes in the power of stories to inspire change. Download your copy today at KTAudiobooks.com and let these voices guide you through hope-filled conversations destined to echo long after the final word fades.