Breaking Chains: Overcoming Systemic Barriers cover art

Breaking Chains: Overcoming Systemic Barriers

Against the Odds: Chronicles of Resilience, Book 1

Preview
Try Premium Plus free
Pick 1 audiobook a month from our unmatched collection - including bestsellers and new releases.
Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks, Originals, celeb exclusives, and podcasts.
Access exclusive sales and deals.
£8.99/month after 30 days. Renews automatically. See here for eligibility.

Breaking Chains: Overcoming Systemic Barriers

By: Jordan Smith Jr EdD
Narrated by: Ashley Hudson
Try Premium Plus free

£8.99/month after 30 days. Renews automatically. See here for eligibility.

Buy Now for £11.99

Buy Now for £11.99

Confirm Purchase
Pay using card ending in
By completing your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and authorise Audible to charge your designated card or any other card on file. Please see our Privacy Notice, Cookies Notice and Interest-based Ads Notice.
Cancel

About this listen

Racial profiling. Queer unacceptance. Deportation fears.

Exclusion, exclusion, exclusion... When a pair of dedicated educators begin to grow disillusioned with the failures of the traditional education system, they decide to take matters into their own hands...

Cue, Diversity Dawn Academy!

It is a day like any other in Ridgeview City, California—and to Benjamin Diamonds and Sarah Mitchell, that's not okay.

Combined decades worth of experience in the academe have shown them the things only students of marginalized groups have gone through: oppression, slurs, name-calling, beatings, and ostracization, all on account of things beyond their control. For the longest time, they felt the need to correct the situation but had no idea how to go about it...

Until a chance encounter unites Benjamin and Sarah, and everything changes. For the first time, they meet someone who shares their hunger for reform, enkindling a fire in their hearts.

Following a long, weary process laced with skepticism, harsh words, and communal backlash, they successfully establish an alternative education program. They encounter ups and downs, thicks and thins, but Diversity Dawn Academy and its students rise above them against all odds!

And as for Benjamin and Sarah, the unspoken feelings brewing between them soon become clear...

©2024 Jordan Smith Jr Ed.D. (P)2024 Jordan Smith Jr Ed.D.
Racism & Discrimination Social Sciences Resilience Student
All stars
Most relevant  

Listener received this title free

This audiobook is a thoughtful, emotional journey through the real challenges marginalized students face—and what it takes to fight for something better. The characters are relatable and driven, and the story balances social commentary with heart.

I appreciated the honesty around the resistance they faced, and the way the narrative doesn’t sugarcoat the process of change. It’s inspiring without being preachy, and the themes of justice, inclusion, and resilience really stick with you.

If you're looking for a story that blends activism, education, and humanity, this one is well worth the listen.

Powerful Stories of Hope, Change, and Courage

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Listener received this title free

The author did a fantastic job in putting this audiobook together. It’s an inspiring and powerful resource that delves into overcoming adversity with grace. I really enjoyed how the narration touched on challenging subjects while still conveying an encouraging message. I would definitely recommend!

Great listen

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Listener received this title free

We all know that school can be unjust, uncaring, and even a battlefield. But, this book shows how we can all make a difference, I love the topic and have a lot of respect for the author writing an inspiring book about how teachers who did all they could to help make things better for the kids that were either treated unfairly or left out. Education can change lives, but love changes it more and that is what this book, to me, is all about. Highly recommend!.

This book shows everyone can make a difference

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Listener received this title free

As someone who's spent years navigating different systems, this audiobook really hit home. It’s about facing big challenges and finding ways to overcome them, even when the odds feel stacked against you. I found myself nodding along, recognizing so many of the struggles, but also feeling incredibly uplifted by the sheer determination of the people in this story.

A truly inspiring listen

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Listener received this title free

A deeply moving and inspiring account of resilience in the face of adversity. As the first in the Chronicles of Resilience series, it sheds light on real challenges caused by systemic barriers while celebrating the strength and determination of those who rise above them. Raw, honest, and ultimately hopeful, this book is a testament to human spirit and perseverance. A compelling read for anyone seeking insight, empowerment, and change.

Uplifting

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Listener received this title free

What a great audiobook! Such a powerful book in any times, not just today. The story resonates on so many levels for so many who are overlooked and made to feel less than. Highly recommend.

Powerful listen

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Listener received this title free

Listening to this felt like someone finally put all the unspoken frustrations into words. I’ve seen the way kids are pushed out for who they are or where they come from, and it hurts. This story these educators lit a fire in me. It’s not just about the broken system, it’s about what’s possible when you stop waiting for change and start creating it. Raw, honest, and exactly what I needed to hear right now.

This Spoke to the Fight in Me

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Listener received this title free

take thru a diversity enrichment journey. I liked the Henry Adams example of teachers and making a difference! Impact and experience is the way to handle diversity and inclusion - Lead by example and this book really helps us understand diversity and inclusion without being force fed like glass!

Calm Female Narration as Ben and Sarah........

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Listener received this title free

This story brings to life the challenges marginalized students face in traditional education, and it’s refreshing to see educators step up and take action. The formation of Diversity Dawn Academy and the struggles that came with it felt raw and genuine—community pushback, doubts, and the uphill battle to make real change. What stands out is the unyielding dedication to building an inclusive space despite all odds. The characters’ personal journeys and evolving bond add even more depth to the narrative. A must-read for those passionate about transforming the education system!

A Powerful Story of Change and Hope

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Listener received this title free

This book opened my eyes and touched my heart. It shared real stories of people pushing through tough systems that were meant to hold them back. Each chapter gave me something to think about—especially about how much strength it takes just to keep going.

One story reminded me of my cousin who faced similar challenges in school and work. Hearing how others made it through gave me hope for her—and for me too. It made me feel less alone and more inspired to keep pushing for what’s right.

The narrator's voice brought emotion and clarity to every story, making it feel personal and real.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Powerful Stories

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

See more reviews