Ode to Grapefruit: How James Earl Jones Found His Voice by Bryan Collier, Kari Lavelle
on July 30, 2024
ISBN: 059337276X
Genres: Biography/Autobiography, Cultural / African American, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

James Earl Jones stuttered as a child. He didn’t want the teacher to call on him in class, and there were many times he tried to speak and no words came out at all. He found it easier to simply not speak, nodding or using other non-verbal communication instead. While he didn’t speak, James listened intently to the news, stories, music, and poetry. One day he received a shipment of grapefruit in the winter, and became so inspired by the fruit that he wrote a poem and recited it in front of his entire poetry class. While he still stuttered on occasion, he found his voice through the beauty of rhythm and poetry, and began to share what would become the legendary sound of his voice with the world. This is an inspirational non-fiction tale, especially for anyone with a stutter or other speech delay. The watercolor and collage illustrations are full of emotion, and capture both the times of struggle and success. The book also contains helpful back matter about the life of James Earl Jones and stuttering. Recommended for ages 6 to 7 (Grades 1 to 2).

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell