THE UPS AND DOWNS OF BEING BROWN

Rex M. Ellis, a teacher, historian, storyteller and director of the Office of Museum Programs at the Smithsonian Institution, gives a superb performance of African-American stories and songs. Some of the offerings are traditional African tales, some come from the time of slavery in America and others are based on contemporary African-American experiences. Ellis has a rich, expressive voice: joyous, sorrowful or mischievous as fits the story. The background music is well chosen; it helps sustain the mood of each story. This outstanding audiobook showcases both the breadth of Ellis's storytelling talents and the diversity of African-American folklore. C.R.A. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 98]