SHOW WAY

In a soft and sure voice, author Jacqueline Woodson reads her own work beautifully. Her history of her mother’s side of her family introduces the idea of the “Show Way”—a concept that has multiple incarnations of meaning in the story, starting with a quilted map used by slaves seeking freedom. Even without illustrations, the images evoked are vivid and beautiful. Woodson’s pacing is like taffy, pulling the story out and folding it back onto itself. A superb soundscape weaves through Woodson’s narration. Other voices deliver historical quotes, giving the impression of passage through the turning pages of history. Though not all the transitions are seamless, overall the recording is a treasure. It ends with an informative and lively author interview. A.M.P. © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2013]