Audiobooks Narrated by Genesis Oliver

We Were the Fire: Birmingham 1963

The powerful story of an eleven-year-old Black boy determined to stand up for his rights, who's pulled into the action of the 1963 civil rights demonstrations in Birmingham, Alabama. Rufus Jackson Jones is from Birmingham, the place Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. called the most segregated place in the country. A place that in 1963 is full of civil rights activists including Dr. King. The adults are trying to get more attention to their cause--to show that separate is not equal. Rufus's dad works at the local steel factory, and his mom is a cook at the mill. If they participate in marches, their bosses will fire them. So that's where the kids decide they will come in. Nobody can fire them. So on a bright May morning in 1963, Rufus and his buddies join thousands of other students to peacefully protest in a local park. There they are met with policemen and firemen who turn their powerful hoses on them, and that's where Rufus realizes that they are the fire. And they will not be put out. Shelia Moses gives readers a deeply personal account of one boy's heroism during what came to be known as the Children's Crusade in this important novel that highlights a key turning point in the civil rights movement.

Shelia P. Moses (Author), Genesis Oliver (Narrator)

Audiobook

Take Back the Block

'This book made me want to step aside, hand over the mic, and listen to Wes. A must-read.' --Mariama J. Lockington, author of For Black Girls Like Me Brand-new kicks, ripped denim shorts, Supreme tee-- Wes Henderson has the best style in sixth grade. That--and hanging out with his crew (his best friends since little-kid days) and playing video games--is what he wants to be thinking about at the start of the school year, not the protests his parents are always dragging him to. But when a real estate developer makes an offer to buy Kensington Oaks, the neighborhood Wes has lived his whole life, everything changes. The grownups are supposed to have all the answers, but all they're doing is arguing. Even Wes's best friends are fighting. And some of them may be moving. Wes isn't about to give up the only home he's ever known. Wes has always been good at puzzles, and he knows there has to be a missing piece that will solve this puzzle and save the Oaks. But can he find it . . . before it's too late? Exploring community, gentrification, justice, and friendship, Take Back the Block introduces an irresistible 6th grader and asks what it means to belong--to a place and a movement--and to fight for what you believe in. * 'Outstanding.'-School Library Journal, Starred Review * "Transformative."-Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review 'Filled with hope, friendship, and grit.' --Stacy McAnulty, best-selling author of The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl 'Timely and penetrating.' --Kelly Starling Lyons, author of Sing a Song: How Lift Every Voice and Sing Inspired Generations 'Chrystal Giles's sparkling debut will have you standing up and cheering.' --Lisa Yee, award winning author of Millicent Min, Girl Genius 'Chrystal Giles really nailed it. I loved this book.' --Linda Williams Jackson, award winning author of Midnight Without a Moon 'Necessary and inspiring. An empowering read.' --Ashley Herring Blake, author of the Stonewall Honor Book Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World 'Wes will welcome middle grade readers into his delightful circle of friends, his strong and loving family, and his powerful community.' --Barbara Dee, author of the ALA Notable Children's Book Maybe He Just Likes You

Chrystal D. Giles (Author), Chrystal D. Giles, Genesis Oliver (Narrator)

Audiobook