CLACK, CLACK! SMACK!

A full cast of Native American performers take young listeners to a Cherokee stickball game. Most of the narrators are Cherokee, like author Traci Sorell, who delivers her concluding notes, and Zebadiah Nofire, who ably leads the narration and voices the glossary. The Keetoowah, Navajo, Kiowa, and Pawnee Nations are also represented by players, coach, and onlookers. The dialogue is delivered in the Tsalagi language--carefully contextualized for comprehension--which particularizes this celebration of Cherokee culture. Listeners who simultaneously peruse the print edition will enjoy Cherokee illustrator Joseph Erb's vigorous depictions of the action. Also distinct to the culture is the plot's resolution, in which protagonist Vann delivers an assist to his teammate, underscoring the Cherokee value of "gadugi"--working together. An immersive, thoroughly thoughtful production. V.S. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2025]