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Strong Voices: Fifteen American Speeches Worth Knowing
Strong Fifteen American Speeches Worth Knowing is a collection of significant speeches, made both by those who held the reins of power and those who didn’t, at significant times in American history. Read the original words—sometimes abridged and sometimes in their entirety—that have shaped our cultural fabric. A Chicago Public Library Best Book!
"A wide-ranging collection of speeches and a worthwhile resource for students of American history." — Booklist
"A golden celebration of the multicultural voices who demand the U.S.—and the world—do better." — Kirkus
"An important addition to American history collections." — School Library Journal Introductions by acclaimed writer Tonya Bolden provide historical context and critical insights to the meaning and impact of every speech. Illustrations by award-winning artist Eric Velasquez illuminate what it was really like at each moment in history. This collection includes the Strong Voices includes a foreword by #1 New York Times bestselling author and celebrated journalist Cokie Roberts, as well as a timeline in the back of the book, along with letters to the reader from Tonya Bolden and Eric Velasquez. Strong Voices is a tremendous introduction to the extraordinary words spoken in history.
"A wide-ranging collection of speeches and a worthwhile resource for students of American history." — Booklist
"A golden celebration of the multicultural voices who demand the U.S.—and the world—do better." — Kirkus
"An important addition to American history collections." — School Library Journal Introductions by acclaimed writer Tonya Bolden provide historical context and critical insights to the meaning and impact of every speech. Illustrations by award-winning artist Eric Velasquez illuminate what it was really like at each moment in history. This collection includes the Strong Voices includes a foreword by #1 New York Times bestselling author and celebrated journalist Cokie Roberts, as well as a timeline in the back of the book, along with letters to the reader from Tonya Bolden and Eric Velasquez. Strong Voices is a tremendous introduction to the extraordinary words spoken in history.
128 pages, Hardcover
First published January 21, 2020
22 people are currently reading
294 people want to read
About the author
Tonya Bolden
79 books186 followersAuthor and publisher Tonya Wilyce Bolden was born on March 1, 1959, in New York City to Georgia Bolden, a homemaker, and Willie Bolden, a garment center shipping manager. Bolden grew up in Harlem in a musical family and loved to read; she attended Public M.E.S. 146, an elementary school in Manhattan, and then graduated from the Chapin School, a private secondary school, in Manhattan in 1976. Bolden attended Princeton University in New Jersey, and, in 1981, obtained her B.A. degree in Slavic languages and literature with a Russian focus. Bolden was also a University Scholar and received the Nicholas Bachko, Jr. Scholarship Prize.
Upon graduating from Princeton University, Bolden began working as a salesperson for Charles Alan, Incorporated, a dress manufacturer, while working towards her M.A. degree at Columbia University. In 1985, Bolden earned her degree in Slavic languages and literature, as well as a Certificate for Advanced Study of the Soviet Union from the Harriman Institute; after this she began working as an office coordinator for Raoulfilm, Inc., assisting in the research and development of various film and literary products. Bolden worked as an English instructor at Malcolm-King College and New Rochelle School of New Resources while serving as newsletter editor of the HARKline, a homeless shelter newsletter.
In 1990, Bolden wrote her first book, The Family Heirloom Cookbook. In 1992, Bolden co-authored a children’s book entitled Mama, I Want To Sing along with Vy Higginsen, based on Higginsen’s musical. Bolden continued publishing throughout the 1990s, releasing Starting a Business from your Home, Mail-Order and Direct Response, The Book of African-American Women: 150 Crusaders, Creators, and Uplifters, And Not Afraid to Dare: The Stories of Ten African-American Women, American Patriots: The Story of Blacks in the Military from the Revolution to Desert Storm and The Champ. Bolden became editor of the Quarterly Black Review of Books in 1994, and served as an editor for 33 Things Every Girl Should Know, in 1998. Bolden’s writing career became even more prolific in the following decade; a partial list of her works include:, Our Souls: A Celebration of Black American Artists, Maritcha: A Nineteenth Century American Girl, MLK: Journey of a King, Take-Off: American All-Girl Bands During World War II, and George Washington Carver, a book she authored in conjunction with an exhibit about the famous African American inventor created by The Field Museum in Chicago.
(source; http://www.thehistorymakers.com/biogr...)
Upon graduating from Princeton University, Bolden began working as a salesperson for Charles Alan, Incorporated, a dress manufacturer, while working towards her M.A. degree at Columbia University. In 1985, Bolden earned her degree in Slavic languages and literature, as well as a Certificate for Advanced Study of the Soviet Union from the Harriman Institute; after this she began working as an office coordinator for Raoulfilm, Inc., assisting in the research and development of various film and literary products. Bolden worked as an English instructor at Malcolm-King College and New Rochelle School of New Resources while serving as newsletter editor of the HARKline, a homeless shelter newsletter.
In 1990, Bolden wrote her first book, The Family Heirloom Cookbook. In 1992, Bolden co-authored a children’s book entitled Mama, I Want To Sing along with Vy Higginsen, based on Higginsen’s musical. Bolden continued publishing throughout the 1990s, releasing Starting a Business from your Home, Mail-Order and Direct Response, The Book of African-American Women: 150 Crusaders, Creators, and Uplifters, And Not Afraid to Dare: The Stories of Ten African-American Women, American Patriots: The Story of Blacks in the Military from the Revolution to Desert Storm and The Champ. Bolden became editor of the Quarterly Black Review of Books in 1994, and served as an editor for 33 Things Every Girl Should Know, in 1998. Bolden’s writing career became even more prolific in the following decade; a partial list of her works include:, Our Souls: A Celebration of Black American Artists, Maritcha: A Nineteenth Century American Girl, MLK: Journey of a King, Take-Off: American All-Girl Bands During World War II, and George Washington Carver, a book she authored in conjunction with an exhibit about the famous African American inventor created by The Field Museum in Chicago.
(source; http://www.thehistorymakers.com/biogr...)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
April 18, 2020
Really enjoyed the way this is put together. With each speech there is an introduction to the speech that gives the historical context of the speech. I thought that worked really well to help understand the speech on a deeper level, especially those speeches that we quote mindlessly. Langston Hughes speech was my favorite. I got choked up at the end of that one.
June 26, 2020
A compilation of excerpts from fifteen noteworthy speeches, selected from across American history.
The chosen pieces represent great variety, stretching as far back as George Washington and reaching as close to modernity as Hilary Clinton. And though a number of obvious classic choices are named (Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, MLK's I Have a Dream, JFK's We Choose to Go to the Moon), there were several excellent works from lesser-known figures (Lou Gehrig's touching tributeFarewell to Baseball or Red Jacket's wry and pointed We Never Quarrel about Religion.) My personal favorite would have to be the wit and wisdom found in the delivery of Sojourner Truth's “I Am a Woman’s Rights.”
The editor openly admits when there were several different drafts of the speech in question, and explains she has selected the most authoritative version available. (I actually wasn't aware of the variations in the Gettysburg Address.)
The artwork has a vaguely oil pastel look, and clings strongly to realism. The pages offering historical context and highlighted snippets come across a little more busy and random in their layouts. The size and shape of the book itself proved a bit unwieldy in terms of reading and transport ease.
Due to the word density, vocabulary, and some of the more complex subject matter, I would recommend this more for a Middle-Grade audience. Though it's clearly being marketed as a Children's book, I'm certain a slightly older audience would glean far more of the meaning and significance of these oratorical treasures.
The chosen pieces represent great variety, stretching as far back as George Washington and reaching as close to modernity as Hilary Clinton. And though a number of obvious classic choices are named (Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, MLK's I Have a Dream, JFK's We Choose to Go to the Moon), there were several excellent works from lesser-known figures (Lou Gehrig's touching tributeFarewell to Baseball or Red Jacket's wry and pointed We Never Quarrel about Religion.) My personal favorite would have to be the wit and wisdom found in the delivery of Sojourner Truth's “I Am a Woman’s Rights.”
The editor openly admits when there were several different drafts of the speech in question, and explains she has selected the most authoritative version available. (I actually wasn't aware of the variations in the Gettysburg Address.)
The artwork has a vaguely oil pastel look, and clings strongly to realism. The pages offering historical context and highlighted snippets come across a little more busy and random in their layouts. The size and shape of the book itself proved a bit unwieldy in terms of reading and transport ease.
Due to the word density, vocabulary, and some of the more complex subject matter, I would recommend this more for a Middle-Grade audience. Though it's clearly being marketed as a Children's book, I'm certain a slightly older audience would glean far more of the meaning and significance of these oratorical treasures.
February 5, 2022
This juvenile nonfiction is a must-read for adults and children alike. It's about how our great experiment of a Republic has come about, and how we got to where we are. The fifteen speeches chronicle the journey of America, beginning with Patrick Henry and finishing with Hillary Rodham Clinton. Particularly inspiring during this February month of remembrance are the speeches by Sojourner Truth, Langston Hughes, Martin Luther King Jr., and Fannie Lou Hamer. This is a all-year-long read for everyone!
- Reviewed by Chris M.
- Reviewed by Chris M.
January 13, 2023
I wanted to read Frederick Douglass’ What to the Slave is the Fourth of July and found in this collection. I really enjoyed hearing all these famous speeches again and being introduced to some new ones.
June 27, 2020
So much potential for critical classroom discussions...
July 3, 2025
Gorgeously narrated. Made me feel patriotic, and in 2025 that is quite a feat.
February 27, 2020
This book presents transcripts or excerpts from fifteen different significant speeches in American history. It includes well-known speeches from monumental figures like Patrick Henry, Washington, Lincoln, and MLK, but also includes lesser-known speeches from people like Sojourner Truth, Langston Hughes, and Fannie Lou Hamer. I appreciate the diversity and range of coverage, since the author included marginalized voices without dismissing classic white American speeches that kids need to know about. The editor's selections are very balanced, and she provides detailed, accurate historical context for each of the speeches, even mentioning in some cases that there were a few different drafts of the speech and that she had chosen the one which was considered the most authoritative.
This is a great way for kids to learn about significant figures in history and the words that they spoke, and it is especially valuable because it gives insight into their own thoughts and words, rather than just summarizing their legacy. One of the most striking elements for me is how often the speakers drew from biblical ideas and references, and how often they centered their ideas about America and freedom based on their views about God. This isn't remotely surprising to me, since I am familiar with a deep and broad sense of American history, but since most books for children only present excerpted quotations and ignore or sideline religious views, I definitely noticed the difference here. Common attempts to be secular ultimately devalue historical figures and give children a very skewed view of the past, so I appreciate the priority that this book places on the spoken words, full context, and intent of each of these speakers.
This is a great way for kids to learn about significant figures in history and the words that they spoke, and it is especially valuable because it gives insight into their own thoughts and words, rather than just summarizing their legacy. One of the most striking elements for me is how often the speakers drew from biblical ideas and references, and how often they centered their ideas about America and freedom based on their views about God. This isn't remotely surprising to me, since I am familiar with a deep and broad sense of American history, but since most books for children only present excerpted quotations and ignore or sideline religious views, I definitely noticed the difference here. Common attempts to be secular ultimately devalue historical figures and give children a very skewed view of the past, so I appreciate the priority that this book places on the spoken words, full context, and intent of each of these speakers.
July 29, 2020
I did the audiobook for this one. I thought that the audiobook would be fitting for famous speeches (one would hope with superb narrators) for which I was not disappointed. This was narrated by Prentice Onayemi and Lisa Renee Pitts who were magnificent. The speeches (while a majority are white men...as is everything in U.S history) there was a surprising amount of diversity among the speeches selected. Each speech was prefaced with historical context to the individual, the time, and the reason/events surrounding giving the speech. I will say as a historian I was quite ashamed that I had only known about half of these and had heard of about 75% of these. So, I will say this book was a delight and a fancy to behold the change in rhetoric over time. The was a portion at the end in which the illustrator talked about their journey of illustrating the book which made me sad I did not have a physical copy.
Speeches included:
Patrick Henry, “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death”
George Washington, Farewell Address
Red Jacket, “We Never Quarrel about Religion”
Frederick Douglass, “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?”
Sojourner Truth, “I Am a Woman’s Rights”
Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address
Theodore Roosevelt, “Citizenship in a Republic”
Franklin Delano Roosevelt, “The Only Thing We Have to Fear Is Fear Itself”
Lou Gehrig, “Farewell to Baseball”
Langston Hughes, “On the Blacklist All Our Lives”
John Fitzgerald Kennedy, “We Choose to Go to the Moon”
Martin Luther King, Jr., “I Have a Dream”
Fannie Lou Hamer, “I Question America”
Cesar Chavez, Address to the Commonwealth Club of California, 1984
Hillary Rodham Clinton, “Women’s Rights Are Human Rights”
Speeches included:
Patrick Henry, “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death”
George Washington, Farewell Address
Red Jacket, “We Never Quarrel about Religion”
Frederick Douglass, “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?”
Sojourner Truth, “I Am a Woman’s Rights”
Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address
Theodore Roosevelt, “Citizenship in a Republic”
Franklin Delano Roosevelt, “The Only Thing We Have to Fear Is Fear Itself”
Lou Gehrig, “Farewell to Baseball”
Langston Hughes, “On the Blacklist All Our Lives”
John Fitzgerald Kennedy, “We Choose to Go to the Moon”
Martin Luther King, Jr., “I Have a Dream”
Fannie Lou Hamer, “I Question America”
Cesar Chavez, Address to the Commonwealth Club of California, 1984
Hillary Rodham Clinton, “Women’s Rights Are Human Rights”
December 6, 2025
I really enjoyed this and found it really interesting.
May 16, 2021
3/2021 ~ I listened to the audio version for parts of this book, and also read the text. The editor, Tonya Bolden, has made a serious effort to choose speeches that may not be as well known and that represent the range of voices in U.S. history. She has also written very informative introductions to each speech to provide context - when the speech was written down (in relation to when it was presented), who wrote the speech & what their agenda might have been, what the context surrounding the speech was, etc.
One beautiful thing about this book is that the reader can select individual speeches or read the book in its entirety.
A must for any school library.
One beautiful thing about this book is that the reader can select individual speeches or read the book in its entirety.
A must for any school library.
July 27, 2021
"A golden celebration of the multicultural voices who demand the U.S.—and the world—do better." —Kirkus
Honestly, that sums it up pretty well. Chances are you'll recognize bits and pieces of these speeches, but there's definitely value in reading them in their entirety and learning the historical context. They are all the more powerful for it and serve as a call to action even today. I also appreciated the layout, illustrations, and overall aesthetics of the book. Check it out!
Honestly, that sums it up pretty well. Chances are you'll recognize bits and pieces of these speeches, but there's definitely value in reading them in their entirety and learning the historical context. They are all the more powerful for it and serve as a call to action even today. I also appreciated the layout, illustrations, and overall aesthetics of the book. Check it out!
September 14, 2020
A really lovely example of how history can inform our present. Each of these speeches - both the known and the unknown to me - very strongly resonated with the current moment. They are inspiring reminders that even when we haven't lived up to our ideals as a country, there is always room to continue struggling and striving for a better country, a better world. The introductions from Tonya Bolden offer context and historical notes for each speech. The illustrations from Eric Velasquez bring the speakers to life.
Brief highlights
Patrick Henry, Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death:
"These are the implements of war and subjugation; the last arguments to which kings resort. I ask gentlemen, sir, what means this martial array, if its purpose be not to force us to submission?"
George Washington, Farewell Address:
"The unity of government which constitutes you one people is also now dear to you. It is justly so, for it is a main pillar in the edifice of your real independence, the support of your tranquility at home, your peace abroad; of your safety; of your prosperity; of that very liberty which you so highly prize."
Red Jacket, We Never Quarrel About Religion:
"Brother, we do not wish to destroy your religion, or take it from you; we only want to enjoy our own."
Frederick Douglass, What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?:
"I remember, also, that, as a people, Americans are remarkably familiar with all facts which make in their own favor."
Sojourner Truth, I Am a Woman's Rights:
"But man is in a tight place, the poor slave is on him, woman is coming on him, and he is surely between a hawk and a buzzard."
Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address:
"It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced."
Theodore Roosevelt, Citizenship in a Republic:
"There are many men who feel a kind of twisted pride in cynicism; there are many who confine themselves to criticism of the way others do what they themselves dare not even attempt."
Franklin Delano Roosevelt, The Only Thing We Have to Fear...
"This is preeminently the time to speak the truth, the whole truth, frankly and boldly. Nor need we shrink from honestly facing conditions in our country today."
Lou Gehrig, Farewell to Baseball:
"So, I close in saying that I might have been given a bad break, but I've got an awful lot to live for."
Langston Hughes, On the Blacklist all our Lives:
"Do you know that there are libraries in our country that will not stock a book by a Negro writer, not even as a gift?... Censorship for us begins at the color line."
JFK, We Choose to Go to the Moon:
"We set sail on this new sea because there is new knowledge to be gained, and new rights to be won, and they must be won and used for the progress of all people."
MLK Jr., I Have a Dream:
"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.'"
Fannie Lou Hamer, I Question America:
"Is this America, the land of the free and the home of the brave, where we have to sleep with our telephones off the hooks because our lives be threatened daily, because we want to live as decent human beings, in America?"
Cesar Chavez, Address to the Commonwealth Club of CA:
"You cannot uneducate the person who has learned to read. You cannot humiliate the person who feels pride. You cannot oppress the people who are not afraid anymore."
Hilary Rodham Clinton, Women's Rights are Human Rights:
"What we are learning around the world is that if women are healthy and educated, their families will flourish. If wemen are free from violence, their families will flourish. If women have a chance work work and earn as full and equal partners in society, their families will flourish. And when families flourish, communities and nations do as well."
Brief highlights
Patrick Henry, Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death:
"These are the implements of war and subjugation; the last arguments to which kings resort. I ask gentlemen, sir, what means this martial array, if its purpose be not to force us to submission?"
George Washington, Farewell Address:
"The unity of government which constitutes you one people is also now dear to you. It is justly so, for it is a main pillar in the edifice of your real independence, the support of your tranquility at home, your peace abroad; of your safety; of your prosperity; of that very liberty which you so highly prize."
Red Jacket, We Never Quarrel About Religion:
"Brother, we do not wish to destroy your religion, or take it from you; we only want to enjoy our own."
Frederick Douglass, What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?:
"I remember, also, that, as a people, Americans are remarkably familiar with all facts which make in their own favor."
Sojourner Truth, I Am a Woman's Rights:
"But man is in a tight place, the poor slave is on him, woman is coming on him, and he is surely between a hawk and a buzzard."
Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address:
"It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced."
Theodore Roosevelt, Citizenship in a Republic:
"There are many men who feel a kind of twisted pride in cynicism; there are many who confine themselves to criticism of the way others do what they themselves dare not even attempt."
Franklin Delano Roosevelt, The Only Thing We Have to Fear...
"This is preeminently the time to speak the truth, the whole truth, frankly and boldly. Nor need we shrink from honestly facing conditions in our country today."
Lou Gehrig, Farewell to Baseball:
"So, I close in saying that I might have been given a bad break, but I've got an awful lot to live for."
Langston Hughes, On the Blacklist all our Lives:
"Do you know that there are libraries in our country that will not stock a book by a Negro writer, not even as a gift?... Censorship for us begins at the color line."
JFK, We Choose to Go to the Moon:
"We set sail on this new sea because there is new knowledge to be gained, and new rights to be won, and they must be won and used for the progress of all people."
MLK Jr., I Have a Dream:
"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.'"
Fannie Lou Hamer, I Question America:
"Is this America, the land of the free and the home of the brave, where we have to sleep with our telephones off the hooks because our lives be threatened daily, because we want to live as decent human beings, in America?"
Cesar Chavez, Address to the Commonwealth Club of CA:
"You cannot uneducate the person who has learned to read. You cannot humiliate the person who feels pride. You cannot oppress the people who are not afraid anymore."
Hilary Rodham Clinton, Women's Rights are Human Rights:
"What we are learning around the world is that if women are healthy and educated, their families will flourish. If wemen are free from violence, their families will flourish. If women have a chance work work and earn as full and equal partners in society, their families will flourish. And when families flourish, communities and nations do as well."
April 26, 2023
Page turn after page turn, I kept thinking about why it took me so long to read this phenomenal book. Published on February 11, 2020, Strong Voices: Fifteen American Speeches Worth Knowing with a foreword by Cokie Roberts, introductions by Tonya Bolden and art by Eric Velasquez is a book I would hand to every student if I taught a US History class. I would make sure each one of them had a copy to keep with them for as long as they wished to keep it. These speeches by Patrick Henry George Washington, Red Jacket, Frederick Douglas, Sojourner Truth, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Lou Gehrig, Langston Hughes, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Martin Lurther King Jr., Fannie Lou Hamer, Cesar Chavez, and Hillary Rodham Clinton are as relevant today as when they were spoken.
Some of the speeches you have read or heard in part or as a whole, but what makes them stand out is the introductions by Tonya Bolden prior to each speech. These speeches are placed in historical context, outlining the people who spoke them and why they did. The factual information in these introductions is as potent as the speeches themselves.
The artwork by Eric Velasquez is realistic, historically accurate, and ultimately as moving as the speeches. There are double-page images prior to each introduction and smaller images within the introductions and speeches.
At the close of the book is a note from Tonya Bolden and a note from Eric Velasquez. There is a detailed timeline over two-pages noting the speeches and historical events in which they took place. Notes and sources are included at the end.
Some of the speeches you have read or heard in part or as a whole, but what makes them stand out is the introductions by Tonya Bolden prior to each speech. These speeches are placed in historical context, outlining the people who spoke them and why they did. The factual information in these introductions is as potent as the speeches themselves.
The artwork by Eric Velasquez is realistic, historically accurate, and ultimately as moving as the speeches. There are double-page images prior to each introduction and smaller images within the introductions and speeches.
At the close of the book is a note from Tonya Bolden and a note from Eric Velasquez. There is a detailed timeline over two-pages noting the speeches and historical events in which they took place. Notes and sources are included at the end.
July 8, 2020
A good introduction for kids (though I don’t know what kids would be interested in it in audiobook form at least) to some famous speeches with some nice historical information to introduce each one. I think it may have been more enjoyable in the written version with the art because I found myself wishing the actual speakers had been used for speeches that were recorded. The readers did try to give some variety/accents to people but it was just the same two readers. The editor emphasized people of color when selecting speeches, but there were different topics and some speeches I wasn’t familiar with or only knew parts. I did feel like maybe it would’ve been nice to have speakers/speeches that didn’t pigeonhole people so much, rather than each African American speaker speaking about being black or each woman speaker speaking about being a woman (not actually true since there were speakers that were both black and women), but I guess that’s part of what makes a speech famous or noteworthy. Overall it made me want to go find the originals to read/hear the entire speeches since they often only included excerpts.
January 15, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. It exposed me to speeches I may have never heard or read. I feel like a better person for hearing these speeches.
I listen to this book in Audible and their narrators are horrific! And Horrific is putting in kindly and maybe they choose those narrators so we would want to look to the real speech! How wonderful if we had Lincolns voice somehow recorded of the Gettysburg address . . .
If I could find the original speech online or on youtube I did. It was fun to listen to FDR , JFK , Hillary Clinton , Cesar Chavez and so on, in their own voices. This is the way to go.
The preambles were fine to listen to, but when it came to the real speech if it was great to hear Cesar Chavez' intonations, JFK saying "Dah-Cade", instead of "Deck ade" (decade) . . . in his Cape Cod accent, to hear the lilting voice of FDR the forceful words of Hillary Clinton. Yes, if possible these speeches need to be listen to and not just read
I listen to this book in Audible and their narrators are horrific! And Horrific is putting in kindly and maybe they choose those narrators so we would want to look to the real speech! How wonderful if we had Lincolns voice somehow recorded of the Gettysburg address . . .
If I could find the original speech online or on youtube I did. It was fun to listen to FDR , JFK , Hillary Clinton , Cesar Chavez and so on, in their own voices. This is the way to go.
The preambles were fine to listen to, but when it came to the real speech if it was great to hear Cesar Chavez' intonations, JFK saying "Dah-Cade", instead of "Deck ade" (decade) . . . in his Cape Cod accent, to hear the lilting voice of FDR the forceful words of Hillary Clinton. Yes, if possible these speeches need to be listen to and not just read
July 7, 2022
This book includes speeches from 15 notable figures in American History. The speeches cover topics ranging from freedom to religion to rights of African Americans to the rights of women. The writers are varied from Patrick Henry to Sojourner Truth to Lou Gehrig to Cesar Chavez and Hillary Rodham Clinton. Each speech is relatively short but packs a truth to make the readers think. This nonfiction title is beautifully illustrated with bold colors and large graphics to engage the reader. A timeline and sources are also included to help place the speeches into a social context of what was happening in the United States at the time of the speech. I would recommend this title for purchase especially for the middle school grades. It can be used to look at various times at our American History as well as a source for speeches for memorization. This could be a great book to get a conversation started about whether things have actually changed in our society.
December 25, 2022
Strong Voices is a child friendly compilation of some of the greatest hits of historically important or poignant speeches. There's a short introduction for each, explaining who the speaker is and giving some historical context, and then a short excerpt from their speech. Some are well known (such as Patrick Henry's 'give me liberty or give me death') while others are more obscure (such as Red Jacket's speech on religion), but I thought there was a pretty good variety in terms time period, race/class/gender of speakers, and topic. I was also tickled to find that my favorite speech ever (TR's Citizenship in a Republic) was excerpted, though that alone wouldn't have saved the book if the rest had been awful. All in all, Strong Voices is a great book for children (I'm thinking mid to late elementary aged) and it is one that I would recommend or gift to a child.
April 17, 2020
This was so well researched and I loved all the diverse perspectives presented (though still unifying around hope and perseverance for all). It has given me hope for what America has been as well as what we can and need to be. My only small criticism is the themes and language make it seem better suited for being a YA nonfiction title vs. juvenile, though overall, this was just a fantastic listen for the times. I ended up listening to this on audiobook since am pretty much limited to digital titles currently -- the different narrators and the fact the speeches were meant to be listened to in the first place definitely make this one a keeper!
September 27, 2020
This book is geared for younger readers, but I’m glad I read it. The book highlights fifteen speeches from American presidents, activists, and icons. Each speech is given its own mini-section with information concerning the historical context and the speech giver’s personal life, followed by the speech itself in either abridged or full content.
The book itself is lovely, with interesting colors and compelling art. At times I found the writing style of the speech introductions to be a bit awkward, but that had no impact on how much I loved this book. I have already purchased my own copy to have on hand for reference and rereading.
The book itself is lovely, with interesting colors and compelling art. At times I found the writing style of the speech introductions to be a bit awkward, but that had no impact on how much I loved this book. I have already purchased my own copy to have on hand for reference and rereading.
November 10, 2020
This was a great book if you want a brief outline of an important speech. Each one began with an illustrated photo of the person who wrote the speech, their name, when they were born and died, the reason and year they gave the speech, and the title of the speech. It also had a description of what was happening to encourage the speech.
Speeches from:
Patrick Henry
George Washington
Red Jacket
Frederick Douglass
Sojourner Truth
Abraham Lincoln
Theodore Roosevelt
Franklin Delano Roosevelt
Lou Gehrig
Langston Hughes
John Fitzgerald Kennedy
Martin Luther King Jr
Fannie Lou Hamer
Cesar Chavez
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Speeches from:
Patrick Henry
George Washington
Red Jacket
Frederick Douglass
Sojourner Truth
Abraham Lincoln
Theodore Roosevelt
Franklin Delano Roosevelt
Lou Gehrig
Langston Hughes
John Fitzgerald Kennedy
Martin Luther King Jr
Fannie Lou Hamer
Cesar Chavez
Hillary Rodham Clinton
January 14, 2021
An inspirational read with strong voices beginning with Washington’s Farewell Address and spanning to 1995 with Hilary Clinton’s Speech at the International Women’s Conference in Beijing. Each speech is given a bit of historical context. I listened to the audio and found it moving and enjoyed the context. For the audio, my only suggestion is for the person and name of the speech to be repeated before moving on to the next. There is some graphic imagery on some speeches. I would recommend the book for kids aged 12 and up.
November 19, 2022
These are a number of famous or should be famous speeches from Americans from our founding to the present. There are plenty more that should be known beyond this; however, this is a great smattering of classic speeches that have had an impact on America and the world. What is best about these speeches is the little preamble before each one, providing context and a general theme for the following speech. It was a nice collection and well done.
June 19, 2020
Wonderful book for children and adults, each piece is put into historical context by a brief bio/ timeline of the person speaking, the artwork is beautiful, and the speeches running from 1775-1995 are all important and relevant to today's world and understanding of how the U.S. that we know was created
December 30, 2024
I cried three times listening to these speeches. Adding this to my “Required Reading for All the People” list. Also, how did I attend twelve years of public school — and earn a degree in history education — without hearing or reading most of these works? And, maybe more importantly now, how do I make sure my students read ALL of them?
June 17, 2020
I’m not sure what I was thinking this book would be. I was hoping for more of a way to share important speeches with young learners. I like the historical connections, after notes and timeline. Would be a difficult book as a stand alone.
June 21, 2020
I really liked this book. I am a retired teacher, a grandma and an avid reader. This book fulfilled all of those expectations. I learned, I remembered and I enjoyed these individuals and their speeches.
October 10, 2020
Fantastic speeches EVERY American should know!
My favorites being Red Jacket, Frederick Douglass, Langston Hughes, of course, Fannie Lou Hammer, Cesar Chavez,and Hilary Rodham Clinton. Amazing people leading struggles we're still struggling with in America.
My favorites being Red Jacket, Frederick Douglass, Langston Hughes, of course, Fannie Lou Hammer, Cesar Chavez,and Hilary Rodham Clinton. Amazing people leading struggles we're still struggling with in America.
September 3, 2021
I don't know if I would give this 4 or 5. Sometimes I didn't like how the narrator who introduced each speech seemed to be politically biased. I would rather a more neutral voice. However, every speech in this collection deserves 5 stars and more, of course.
April 20, 2022
This book was written for the youthful reader. However, I learned so much about this amazing speeches. These political speeches are reprinted with an introduction of each that sets the stage for the time period and how it seems today. The book is beautifully illustrated too!
April 25, 2023
Terrific choice of famous speeches showing our value system. The book is both good for adults and teens. I liked the book very much and the choice of famous Americans is a broad swath and good for reading.
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