The inspiring life and legacy of vocal artist and civil rights icon Paul Robeson—one of the most important public figures in the twentieth century—adapted for young adults by the acclaimed Robeson biographer
“As an artist I come to sing, but as a citizen, I will always speak for peace, and no one can silence me in this.” —Paul Robeson
Paul Robeson was destined for greatness. The son of an ex-slave who upon his college graduation ranked first in his class, Robeson was proclaimed the future “leader of the colored race in America.” Although a graduate of Columbia Law School, he abandoned his law career (and the racism he encountered there) and began a hugely successful career as an internationally celebrated actor and singer. The predictions seemed to have been correct—Paul Robeson’s triumphs on the stage earned him esteem among white and Black Americans across the country, although his daring and principled activism eventually made him an outcast from the entertainment industry, and his radical views made many consider him a public enemy.
With the original biography lavishly praised in the Washington Post as “enthralling … a marvelous story marvelously told,” this will be a thrilling new addition to the young adult canon. Featuring a foreword by multiple award–winning author Jason Reynolds, Paul Robeson: No One Can Silence Me will introduce listeners in middle and high school to the inspiring and complicated life of one of America’s most fascinating figures, whose story of artistry, heroism, conviction, and conflict is newly relevant today.
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“Narrator Cary Hite offers an engrossing and resonant performance…Hite seamlessly emulates Robeson’s signature baritone and adopts various global accents while quoting other famous figures while keeping a steady pace throughout his narration…An inspiring work that new generations of activists will savor.”
— AudioFile
“A powerful tribute to this #BlackLives Matter predecessor.”
— Booklist (starred review)“Balances his achievements despite overwhelming odds with his human vulnerabilities and missteps…Details of Robeson’s bold stands [will] resonate with new generations familiar with Black public figures like Colin Kaepernick and Maya Moore.”
— Kirkus Reviews (starred review)“Despite the significant abridgment, the text provides an in-depth look at the complicated life of an important figure in African American history…A comprehensive and useful addition for middle and high school collections.”
— School Library Journal“Although Paul Robeson’s story is impressive…what his life really serves as is perhaps the greatest reminder of the possibilities of a single person.”
— Jason Reynolds, author of Long Way DownBe the first to write a review about this audiobook!
Martin Duberman is the author of several books, including Stonewall, Cures, Paul Robeson, Black Mountain, Howard Zinn, and Hold Tight Gently. He has won the Bancroft Prize, the Vernon Rice Drama Desk Award, three Lambda Literary Awards, a special award from the National Academy of Arts and Letters, the 2007 Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Historical Association, and the Whitehead Lifetime Achievement Award in Nonfiction. He has been a finalist for both the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize, and he has received honorary degrees from Amherst College and Columbia University. He is distinguished professor emeritus of history at the City University of New York.
Cary Hite has performed in several theaters across the country as a cast member in the longest-running African American play in history, The Diary of Black Men. He also appeared in Edward II, Fences, Macbeth, Good Boys, Side Effects May Vary, and the indie feature The City Is Mine. He has voiced several projects for AudibleKids, including Souls Look Back in Wonder, From Slave Ship to Freedom Road, and Papa, Do You Love Me?