Ode to Grapefruit: How James Earl Jones Found His Voice

by Kari Lavelle, Bryan Collier (illustrator)

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.Before there was Mufasa...Before there was Darth Vader... There was a young boy names James Earl Jones, who spoke with a stutter and dreaded having to talk in class. Whenever James tried to voice his thoughts, his words got stuck in his throat. But James figured out a solution for his 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. Lyrical text, stunning art, and compelling backmatter about stuttering pair together for a remarkable picture book about how a boy who refused to speak for eight years learned to manage his stutter through poetry--and grew up to become an EGOT-winning performer with a voice few could forget.

Genres: Biography, Picture Books, Nonfiction, Poetry, Childrens, History, Biography Memoir

48 pages, Hardcover

First published July 30, 2024

About the author

Kari Lavelle is the author of WE MOVE THE WORLD (HarperCollins 2021), BUTT OR FACE (Sourcebooks, 2023) and AN ODE TO GRAPEFRUIT: HOW JAMES EARL JONES FOUND HIS VOICE (Knopf 2024). She has always had a love for words: as a kid reading books, as a speech pathologist helping children communicate, and now as a writer creating stories. She grew up in the Midwest but now lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, their two children, and doggo, Dobby. Learn more about Kari and her books at karilavelle.com.

Reviews

[Annie Bhurya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ode to Grapefruit is a picture book that tells the story of how famous actor James Earl Jones overcame a severe stutter as a child. Poetry becomes his safe haven. Jones practices poetry at home over and over and over. But when a shipment of grapefruit arrives, a treasured treat for a child who lives in Michigan, he is moved to write his own poetry. This act becomes a major turning point for him, as he learns to use the power of his words in written and verbal forms.
The story centers around the young James Earl Jones and his struggle with stuttering, which led him to stop speaking for a period of time.
The book depicts how poetry became a tool for Jones to overcome his speech impediment, allowing him to express himself through the rhythm and meaning of words. "Ode to Grapefruit," is a symbolic representation of Jones' journey to finding his voice. The book is beautifully illustrated by Bryan Collier. Kari Lavelle, the author of Ode to Grapefruit, is a former speech pathologist who shares the story of James Earl Jones with children who stutter.

This book would read well for 2-3rd grade students. In the classroom I would pair this book with I Talk Like A River by Jordan Scott. Students could compare ,how are the two books similar? How are they different? I Talk Like a River is written in first person point of view, while Ode to Grapefruit is written in close third. What are the differences between the two POVs? How does Ode to Grapefruit bring the reader in close to how James is feeling vs. how the boy feels in I Talk Like a River?

[SaraKat · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting story about how one of the famous voices of our world was quieted for a time due to stuttering in his childhood. This recounts how stuttering and teasing from classmates led to Jones deciding not to talk for a while until a teacher led him to poetry. Reading and reciting poetry let him learn to use his voice again and aren't we all thankful!

[Carol Farrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a speech therapist I love this book and that it was written by a speech therapist! It can definitely help other children find their voice, however it is not as easy as the book suggests especially after 8 years of selective mutism. The handling of his stuttering is caring and inspiring. I would use and recommend this book for elementary age children that do experience stuttering.

[Amanda up North · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful subject in James Earl Jones, known for his voice, who stuttered and was mute for 8 years of his youth.

Stories on overcoming adversity make good children's books, this is no exception.
The author is a speech pathologist - excellent back matter, with supplemental info about stuttering.
I liked the illustrations, and it's a nice nod to the adults who make a difference in a young person's life.

I found myself really wanting to hear the Ode to Grapefruit poem, but we only get the title.
I found this article where James Earl Jones explains that the poem "no longer exists, even in my memory."
https://time.com/archive/6673168/find...

[Jilanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would never have guessed that James Earl Jones was a stutterer. As a boy, he could barely get his words out. But now, as a world-famous actor, he commands a stage or movie set or recording studio. Just wow! And the key to his transformation? Poetry and practice. Double wow! Kids who stutter will love this book, and kids who don't will be fascinated to learn the backstory behind a global icon. And hopefully, they'll become more empathetic with classmates who stutter, too. Who know? The next James Earl Jones may be in their class?!

Back matter also includes more info about Jones's life, including incidents of racism he experienced. It also adds information about stuttering. The author is a speech pathologist and uses Jones's story to inspire kids.

The illustrations by Bryan Collier are a tour de force, their deep, rich watercolor tones mixed with collage matching the depth of the man's voice. And the explanation Collier provides about the bubbles in the illustrations makes perfect sense. They depict the times when Jones is lost in the music of poetry. Truly inspired. This, my friends, is a fantastic book about an amazing man. Check it out!

[Hannah]

This is a beautiful book that really handles the subject matter well and really conveys the emotional turmoil and anxiety well. I do think it's a shame we didn't get the whole poem Jones wrote.

[Angela De Groot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring true story, beautifully written and gorgeously illustrated, about how James Earl Jones used poetry to find his voice and overcome a paralyzing stutter. A love of poetry empowers a remarkable young man to become the most iconic and resonant voice of all time.

[Stephanie Bange · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful tribute to the man whose voice is most recognizable as Darth Vadar's in Star Wars or Mufasa's in The Lion King...

The anxiety that young James Earl Jones felt as a child in class kept him from talking in class or family, though he had no problem talking with the animals when working in the barn. It was a high school teacher that introduced him to poetry with its rhythm and musicality that he felt inspired to write - and recite - a poem he wrote when inspired by peeling grapefruit.

Kari Lavelle, a former speech pathologist, is careful in both her selection of words and the length of phrases and sentences. The poetic text is musical and conveys much of the frustration, hurt, and passion James Earl Jones felt during his life. Backmatter includes an author's (which includes more biographical details) and illustrator's notes, a few Q&As about stuttering, a list of selected sources consulted.

Bryan Collier's watercolor and collage art are the perfect match for Lavelle's words. There are golden overtones everywhere, which complement the greens and browns of the artwork. Pops of other colors - reds and blues - add to the excitement. Collier excels in the use of fabrics and wallpaper-like patterns to add depth. He adds bubbles throughout the book to signify the musical influences and moments in Jones' life. There is whimsy and there is humor found, too. (The image of his classmates with a slice of grapefruit in their mouths is a riot! And so kid-like.) My only quibble is that Jones' dark navy blue eyes almost appear green because of the liberal use of gold; I forgive him because his eyes often look like mine in the book: green with golden brown!

Include this in units on disabilities (I hope the members of the Schneider Family Book Award takes a look at this one!), self-esteem, overcoming challenges, successes, and biographies.

Highly Recommended for PreSchool-grade 4.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an unusual, relatable story this biography of James Earl Jones is! With striking artwork, created with watercolor and collage, that zooms in on its young subject's face and hands at times, moving outward to highlight the faces of his classmates, some ready to mock him, it's a striking story of resilience and determination. The fear someone who stutters might feel when called on to read aloud or perform is palpable in the text and illustrations. It's also not surprising that when James is alone, working with his farm animals, he has no trouble speaking. What is shocking is that he didn't speak to others until he was in high school--eight years of silence. But during that period, he was taking in words, reading and listening, even eventually writing his own poems, one in particular about grapefruit. When his teacher insisted that he recite it in front of the class, James did, unlocking his voice and triumphing over his fears. The text makes it clear that this was a slow process, and the illustrations--oh, those illustrations--lovingly depict his struggles and triumph. The double-page spread in which he slowly, carefully peels the rind from a grapefruit, bit by bit, revealing the fruit's sections and its distinct scent, mirrors exactly what happens with James Earl Jones and his own resonant tones. Educators, parents, and caregivers will want to urge youngsters to read the Author's Note and the Illustrator's Note to expand on the story and enhance their appreciation for this inspiring story. Notably, the book jacket differs from the actual book cover since the actual cover shows James eating pieces of grapefruit while several unpeeled fruits rest in the background behind him.

[Joanna Norland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readers who chortled through Kari Lavelle’s irreverent “Bum or Face?” will find themselves surprised and then enchanted by her latest offering — a picture book biography about James Earl Jones, who overcame a debilitating stutter to play such iconic roles as Darth Vader and Mustafa.
Lavelle’s text evokes the lyricism of Jordan Scott’s soulful “I Talk Like a River,” on a similar theme, along with an inspiring role model, a slice of African American history, and a promise, for children with a stutter, that they, like Jones, can learn to work with it and create a rich, communicative life.
Back matter provides extra detail about the personal challenges Jones overcame, as well as his struggle with racism.
As a speech pathologist, Kari Lavelle includes useful back matter about stuttering, how to support someone with a stutter, and where to seek more information and help. But this book speaks clearly (zounds!) to any of us who sometimes feel — for whatever reason — that our “words get stuck,” when, like James Earl Jones, we have so much to say.
In Bryan Collier’s water colour paintings, mysterious bubbles hover over the earth-toned renderings of Jones’ rural Michigan childhood, in homage to the musicality of words and perhaps also, the luminous power of language — whether read, written or spoken out loud — to elevate us and connect us to one another.
A moving and triumphant book.

[January · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ode to Grapefruit: How James Earl Jones Found His Voice by Kari Lavelle illustrated by Bryan Collier
129-page Kindle Ebook [48 pages]

Genre: Juvenile Biography, Picture Book

Featuring: Fully Illustrated Pages, Watercolors, James Earl Jones, School, Speech Impediment, Author's Note - Short Biography of James Earl Jones, Donald Crouch, This Story Development, Author's Work as Speech Pathologist; Illustrator' Note, About, Stuttering, Links, Selected Sources

Rating as a movie: PG

Books and Authors mentioned: The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer, Sonnet 55 by William Shakespeare, The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe, Robert Frost

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💬

My thoughts: I would recommend the hardback over the ebook as the Kindle version was difficult to read. I had to switch from my phone to my tablet just to read the author’s note as the font throughout the book is tiny and by the end impossible to read, and there's no adjustment available. As for the story, it was okay, I assumed we'd be reading a poem written by James Earl Jones but that wasn't the case. I found the illustrations inauthentic, other than James the others weren't truly representative of his grandparents and the schoolchildren.

Recommend to others: Honestly not likely, not even for her purpose of giving children with speech impairments a hero, that doesn't come off well in her story, and few readers read the author’s note.

[Fuchsia Rascal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard about this book literally the weekend before James Earl Jones died and, as someone who grew up with a severe speech impediment (and still stutters from time to time), I was immediately intrigued. I genuinely had no idea that he grew up with such a severe stutter that he didn't talk for years. This is such a good and important book for children (and older!). Inspiration for those of us who experience speech impediments, and understanding for those who don't. Connecting with poetry resonated with me -- while it wasn't poetry exactly that helped me find my voice, a picture book of poetry tongue twisters, A Popple in My Pocket was a big help for me (oh, and speech therapy until I was 7).

Because this is a picture book, I'll also comment on the art, which was beautiful. The style is very kid-accessible, although I found it a little jarring to look at closely at first. The individual pieces of each drawing are drawn individually and then almost pasted on in a unique way. I don't think this is a negative, but rather symbolic of how he was disconnected from things--as the story progresses, the style stays the same and yet, blends much better.

If I ever make my own personal picture book collection, this would definitely be on it.

[Roben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who knew that a grapefruit could be so inspiring?
James Earl Jones hated for teachers to call on him to read. He couldn't make his mouth sound out the words. He stuttered. While he felt easy talking to the animals in the barn (they didn't make fun of him), he could not bring himself to even say hello to guests at his home.
Tired and frustrated, James just stopped talking. Until high school. When he had a teacher who introduced him to poetry. James would memorize the poems and recite them - he loved the rhythm. One day, after eating a grapefruit, he wrote a poem about it and gave it to his teacher. His teacher convinced him to say the poem out loud -- and he did! His class applauded. From that point on, James performed. He still stuttered sometimes, but he had finally managed to find his voice!
And we are all very glad that he did. James' story is very inspiring!
Be sure to peek under the dust jacket - the cover of the book is different!
And read the Author's and Illustrator's Notes. The author is a speech therapist who uses the story of James Earl Jones to encourage kids who stutter. The book also includes an explanation of stuttering and where to find help along with a list of sources.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the passing of icon James Earl Jones came the discovery of Kari Lavelle’s biography ODE TO A GRAPEFRUIT. In it, readers will learn that the man with the instantly recognized, silky-smooth voice was a stutterer and all but stopped trying to talk at age 5 and that the love of poetry led to the mastery of his tongue. Lavelle’s text flows easily and is accentuated by illustrations by the talented Bryan Collier (Rosa, Martin’s Big Words, These Hands & more). Astute readers may note that given Jones’ birth year of 1931, he was born in a time of segregated schools yet Collier’s illustrations show classrooms filled with great diversity. Background research by the author indicates that he attended an integrated Quaker school in Mississippi, however, that fact is left for students to discover on their own.

Excellent picture book biography for those ages 4-12 plus artists and/or fans of James Earl Jones of all ages.

Note: For something completely different, check out Kari Lavelle’s terrific animal nonfiction series Butt or Face, volumes 1 & 2 (as of 2024).

[Brooke - TheBrookeList · Rating 3 out of 5]

James Earl Jones had a stutter? What a fascinating thing to think about. The voice of all voices, and his struggle to find his voice. With a couple boys at our house who've needed speech, I know this can be a defining aspect of a child's growing years. Lavelle does a good job of sharing how James felt about sharing his words in front of others. The illustrations seem to be cut from paper, which is a little unique and different.

Read as a nomination in the nonfiction book award category as a panelist for Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards (Cybils Awards).

While I didn't quite follow all the kids with grapefruits in the scene where he recites his poem (really, did he share them?), I think the story is a good one. I did wish that much of what the author included in the backmatter had been a part of the actual story, though. It also didn't seem like this was Ms. Lavelle's story to tell?? Slight disconnect there for me.

[Elizabeth☮ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this to my students. James Earl Jones recently passed away and then I saw this at my library. My students are seventh and eighth graders, so I wasn't sure they would have a frame of reference for Jones, but most of them knew who he was.

This book talks about Jones as a student and his reluctance to read or talk in class because he suffered from a stutter. This was something I either didn't know or I didn't recall. Either way, it was a great read for my reluctant readers.

Jones found his voice in high school when he discovered poetry. He wrote a poem and his teacher asked him to read it - he did. Without a stutter. Thus the great performer that we know and love was born.

I'm glad I picked this one up. The illustrations are made with soft colors and have tiny bubbles across the page to represent words and ideas.

[Tonya Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ode to Grapefruit tells how celebrated orator James Earl Jones found his voice in the face of racism and years of struggling with a stutter. This inspiring story of transformation is well written and beautifully illustrated. Author and speech pathologist Kari Lavelle artfully shows how James Earl Jones fought against racial discrimination while also battling to speak out verbally. The muted illustrations give a sense of the era and history. Thoughtful back matter information provides more details about James Earl Jones' life and includes quotes from some of his greatest roles (Darth Vader from Star Wars, Mufasa from the Lion King). Tips on supporting those who stutter are also given. This book would make a great addition to any collection!

[Read Ribbet · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the recent passing of James Earl Jones, Kari Lavelle has a timely picture book. This nonfiction picture book biography focuses on Jone's struggle with stuttering as a youth. Lavelle is a speech pathologist and writes about compassionately about the subject. We learn that Jones found his voice through poetry. He started writing and reciting poems and grew in his confidence before moving on to an award-winning acting career. The book ends with an author's note that provides more insights and information about Jones. It also contains information about stuttering with a list of additional resources. Award winning illustrator Bryan Collier provides glorious illustrations to capture the story.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

ODE TO GRAPEFRUIT is a beautifully told and stunningly illustrated tribute to James Earl Jones and how he found his voice. I was unaware that he stuttered when he was younger, and as a result, remained silent for 8 years. That is, until he found a love of poetry. Following his teachers nudge, he read a poem aloud that he wrote to demonstrate his appreciation for poetry. As we all know the tone and depth of his voice, his poem resonated with those that heard him speak. From that point on, he grew to be successful in life.

Written by speech pathologist, Kari Lavelle, this is an inspirational story that may resonate with those that have a speech impediment. Back matter includes a glossary and more information about stutters.

[Kai Xavier-Pace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books is about the story of James Earl Jones and how he got more confident with public speaking. This story begins with James struggling to read aloud in class, and he becomes more and more insecure with public speaking. On pages 5-6, we see James recall the last time he spoke in class, where he became incredibly nervous. As the story continues, James enters high school and develops a love of poetry. In high school, he learns the importance of reading poetry aloud, and even begins to write his own poems. On pages 33-34, we see James win a public speaking championship and earn scholarships to college. The story ends with James finally finding his voice and being confident in his speaking abilities.

[Becky Scharnhorst · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was deeply moved by this inspirational story about James Earl Jones finding his voice. As an avid Star Wars fan, I've been familiar with his signature voice since my childhood. However, I did not know that during his childhood, James spoke with a stutter and remained silent for eight years. Through lyrical text and gorgeous illustrations, James's story unfolds and reveals how poetry changed his life. I can easily see this book being used in the classroom for poetry or biography units, but this heartwarming story about perseverance will be enjoyed by readers of all ages. The backmatter includes additional information about his life and stuttering.

[Debra Shumaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love James Earl Jones's iconic voice. It makes so many movies memorable. I did not know that he stuttered as a child and chose to not speak for eight years due to his embarrassment and frustration. Eight years! But a high school teacher introduced poetry to James and he was hooked. He loved the cadence and rhythm. Soon he was reciting poetry quietly to himself and when he wrote a poem about his joy with a grapefruit and shared it with his teacher, the teacher encouraged him to read it aloud. And that changed everything for James. A fascinating story with equally fascinating art. Don't miss this book!

[Susie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was of particular interest to me, because we regularly vacation in Manistee County where Brethren High School is located. We were intrigued a few years ago when we saw a historical marker indicating that Jones had attended there. We have also attended an event at the Ramsdell Theater in Manistee, where Jones actively participated in summer theater. I found the grapefruit mouths a little off-putting. This story is definitely worth telling; I was just a little disappointed in the execution.

[Blanco Meyers · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I can appreciate Collier’s skills as an artist, realistic artwork or illustrations are not a style that I typically like.
Overall, I found some of the images distracting and the intentional distortions odd.

However, in the illustration of James Earl Jones performing on stage, I felt like I was in his presence as a young man.
And throughout, Collier does an exceptional job making the eyes more than realistic, giving them incredible depth.

I would have liked it if one (or more) of Jones’ poems was included.

[June · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tells how James Earl Jones overcame his stutter and found his voice. (Story of youth).

Author's Note includes more information of Jones running to the store in a blizzard to ask the owner to call for a doctor and having trouble getting the words out. At 11 years of age Jones had his writing in response to an anti-lynching bill failing to pass in Congress published in Grand Rapids Herald: "Coals of Fire upon Heads of Whites" Maybe 4.5 for further information in backmatter.

About Stuttering: Learned that I shouldn't offer word suggestions if a person gets stuck.

[Kathryn LeRoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you know a stutterer?

Kari Lavelle masterfully traces the story of James Earl Jones and how his stutter silenced him until he found poetry and a thoughtful teacher who challenged him to read his “Ode to Grapefruit” before the class. As they say, the rest is history. The voice we know without seeing his face captured our attention. This is more than a biography. Bryan Collier’s rich illustrations trace a story of kindness, generosity, and hope. A story the one stutterer you know will read and listen to with hope and courage, as will all of us.

[Jen Fier · Rating 5 out of 5]

ODE TO A GRAPEFRUIT is inspiring beyond belief! I loved learning more about beloved James Earl Jones on his journey to find his voice through patience and poetry. Lavelle’s own cadence and meter build to a climatic celebration and I felt excitement build within my chest as I celebrated with Jones. Collier's detailed and vibrant illustrations had me combing over every page. This biography kept me captivated from first to final line.

[Elaine Fultz, Teacher Librarian, MLS · Rating 2 out of 5]

Flawed pb bio. James Earl Jones' iconic voice began as a shy whisper and chosen mutism due to a stutter. When he found poetry, he found his voice. Bryan Collier's artwork is stellar, as always, but there is a disconnect with the text. When young James recites his poem, the kids in the class are portrayed with grapefruit slice smiles -- are they mocking him or are they enjoying his work? Shrug. Deal breaker.

[Susan]

James Earl Jones is famous for his deep, booming voice, but there was a time that he refused to speak due to self-consciousness about his stutter. But a teacher introduces James to poetry and a grapefruit inspires him to write a poem that unlocks his now-famous voice. Speech pathologist and author Kari Lavelle is the perfect person to bring this little-known story of Jones' childhood to life, while Bryan Collier's emotive and detailed art illustrate Jones' struggles to express himself.

[Ellen L. Ramsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

We know James Earl Jones for his magnificent, iconic voice. But because of a stutter, his voice was not heard for 8 years. Kari Lavelle tells the remarkable story of how writing poetry and hearing his words in his head allowed James to find his voice, a voice that resonates and charms listeners. Bryan Collier’s illustrations capture details of the period and add to the depth of emotion in the book. A beautiful and inspiring book!