A DOOR MADE FOR ME

Narrator Tyler Merritt shares a painful childhood memory with unmistakable sincerity, speaking directly to the listener. Accompanied by music and sound effects, Merritt recounts visiting his Southern grandparents. His voice cheerfully recalls playing with a new friend throughout the summer. One day, they visit another friend's home to show off their catch of fish. In a powerful moment, the friend's mom declares that the "Black boy" cannot come in. The listener hears the door slam, the dead bolt latch. The painful sound replays as Tyler stands outside--alone, grappling with his first experience of blatant racism. Unsettled, he returns home. His grandparents offer love and reassurance. In turn, Merritt compassionately assures kids that they, too, are perfect just the way they are. L.T. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award, 2023 Audies Winner © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2023]