Coretta

Starred review from January 1, 2024

Gr 1-5-Seven years after the 2017 publication of King's autobiography for adults, My Life, My Love, My Legacy (also written with Reynolds), and 18 years after her 2006 death, the powers-that-be gift younger readers with an enlightening adaptation. LaVoy is a superb cipher, her gentle gravitas both intimate and respectful. An enhancing soundtrack underscores her performance: jazzy music as Coretta and Martin's romance develops, moving feet signaling the March on Washington, an ominous phone ringing that will announce Martin's assassination. For decades after, King continued the nonviolent struggle for human rights, including serving in the United Nations supporting gay rights, fighting apartheid in South Africa; she also pushed Martin's birthday holiday into federal law in 1983. Important back matter-the "Six Principles of Nonviolence" and a "Civil Rights Timeline"-is also aurally appended. VERDICT Although a read-along is certainly encouraged (it's illustrated by Caldecott Honor illustrator Ekua Holmes), LaVoy's impressive narration ensures a memorable standalone audiobook.

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Music and sound effects are beautifully paired with January LaVoy's inviting narration of this adaptation of Coretta Scott King's autobiography for adults. Hymns and soft lyrical strains play in the background as LaVoy describes King's church-based, family-strong youth. Her narration becomes agitated when Coretta asks about the prejudice surrounding her. The music and narration are dreamy as Lavoy describes a young adult Coretta's vision of what life might be. Smoldering blues tunes play in the background as LaVoy depicts Coretta's developing love for Martin. The music and narration are by turns tempestuous, victorious, and humble as the autobiography turns to Coretta's significant life of activism. During the Afterword, LaVoy's voice is strong while delivering facts about Coretta's life, as well as a Civil Rights Movement timeline and the principles of nonviolence. S.W. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine