How James Earl Jones Found His Voice
A TRUE TALE WITH
A CHERRY ON TOP
Knopf Books for Young Readers
(pub. 7.30.2024)
48 pages
Ages 4 - 8
Author: Kari Lavelle
Illustrator: Bryan Collier
Character: James Earl Jones
Overview:
" Before legendary actor James Earl Jones was recognized for his memorable, smooth voice, he was just James--a stutterer who stopped speaking for eight years as a child...and ultimately found his voice through poetry...
Whenever James tried to voice his thoughts, his words got stuck in his throat. But James figured out a solution for his shame: if he didn't speak, he wouldn't stutter.
And so he was silent...until he wrote his own poem, Ode to Grapefruit, and found a love for poetry."
Tantalizing taste:
"He traveled to the front of the classroom,
the dark side of fear rising.
Heart pounding.
Eighteen sets of eyes
and Professor Crouch watching.
Some kids smirked and some smiled.
Knees shaking.
But he felt the rhythm in his soul.
Tata tata tata tata…
James opened his mouth and began,
his voice deep and smooth,
reciting from his heart,
'Ode to Grapefruit...'"
And something more: The author, Kari Lavelle, shared in the Author's Note: "As a speech pathologist for over fifteen years, I continue to share the inspirational story of James Earl Jones with many kids who stutter. In researching and then writing his story, it is my hope his voice gives a voice to many."
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