AN AMERICAN STORY

How do you teach the story of slavery in America? That's the challenge addressed in this inspired poem narrated by Stacy Gonzalez. A teacher discusses the painful truths about slavery with her class of incredulous students who try to comprehend the horror, the sadness, and their teacher's distress. As Gonzalez speaks in tones taut with emotion, a sense of foreboding and fear is enhanced by agitated drumbeats in the background. Gonzales does minimal character differentiation. She lets the words and their meaning command all the attention. Gradually, the voices grow more confident and defiant--affirming that people must speak out about slavery's impact on history. Listeners may want the print book's illustrations at hand to further their understanding of the text and the endnotes. S.A.A. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2023]