FREEDOM OVER ME Eleven Slaves, Their Lives and Dreams Brought to Life

Based on an 1828 estate appraisal that included 11 enslaved men, women, and children, this audiobook is a heartrending exploration of what slavery meant to those who were deemed “property.” It leaps from the pages through the commanding performances of Patricia R. Floyd and Kevin R. Free. Their emotionally connected narration leaves no doubt as to the cruelty of a system that treated human beings no differently from cattle or household goods. And yet, hope prevailed, and the belief in eventual freedom persisted, all made clear through crisp narration, measured cadence, and—sometimes—song. Jenny Sterlin as the voice of the haughty, thoughtless plantation owner provides the right bookends to Bryan’s 2017 Newbery Honor-winning poetry. For an additional treat, get a copy of the print edition to enjoy Bryan’s 2017 Coretta Scott King Honor-winning illustrations. S.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2017]