Recounting the compelling life of Jacob Lawrence, narrator Myra Taylor wisely lets his story take center stage. She’s the unobtrusive narrator who steadily moves the story along. Listeners are free to marvel at the myriad aspects of the African-American painter’s development: his early interest in art at an after-school center in Harlem where his interest in painting was awakened, his experiences with the Coast Guard and the officer who encouraged him to paint murals of shipboard life, and, later, his navigation of the changing racial climate. At key junctures, Taylor emphatically underscores Lawrence’s belief that “it’s the little things that are big.” As the biography progresses, Taylor’s narration mirrors Lawrence’s own comfort with his status as “a great artist, period.” Listeners will relish the life of this artist and this production.
Ages 8+Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2013
Duration: 1 hr
DD ISBN: 9781470362089
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Much has been written on Jackie Robinson's groundbreaking career and legacy, but it's nice to see a well-done synopsis covering the highlights of his life for young people. Narrator JD Jackson carries the story as he conveys the importance of Robinson's life without overdramatization. It covers Robinson's growing up, time in the Army, and deliberate recruitment for the purpose of breaking Major League baseball's color barrier. Jackson gives various players, coaches, and individuals--including Robinson's wife, Rachel--slight accents. His steady, animated narration reflects the well-researched book and is sure to hold the attention of both young and older listeners.
(Biography. 10-13)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2017
Duration: 2 hrs, 15 mins
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Classical music provides an enjoyable background to the story of Cecilia Chiang. She first watched cooking in her family home in China and then was introduced to its varied cuisine as she crossed the country during WWII. Later, she immigrated to the US. Cindy Kay's soft voice transmits Cecilia's dedication to the dishes she loves and grows stronger and more determined as she finds herself wanting to share them. The accuracy of Kay's accent and the descriptions of dishes as Chiang opens San Francisco's Mandarin, the first restaurant to treat Chinese food as fine dining, awakens listeners' taste buds, provides authenticity, and creates appreciation for Chiang's accomplishments.
(Picture-book biography. 5-10)Pub Date: April 29, 2025
Duration: 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668647394
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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