Strongman

History repeats itself in this middle-grade audiobook about the political lives of five infamous dictators, including Adolf Hitler, Mao Zedong, and Saddam Hussein. Kenneth Davis offers a serious message about the fragility of democracy and the rise of ruthless leaders. Narrator Cindy Kay describes the calculated cruelty of these men and their governments with appropriate detachment. Terrence Kidd breaks up the chapters by delivering openings that use the dictators' own words. The academic tone of this work, especially its first three chapters, which focus on the roots of democracy, may turn off some listeners. Listeners also lose out on the print book's bibliography. Nonetheless, this audio is for young people who want to look to the past to understand the present. E.A.N. � AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine