• The Ups and Downs of Being Brown

  • By: Rex M. Ellis
  • Narrated by: Rex M. Ellis
  • Length: 56 mins
  • 4.0 out of 5 stars (6 ratings)

Editorial reviews

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.

Publisher's summary

Rex M. Ellis weaves the strands of African folklore, early American history, and contemporary interpretations into the rich quilt that is the African-American experience. His stories spin a thread from the Windward Coast of West Africa to the shores of Jamestown and beyond. He uses storytelling as both a historical teaching tool and a method for dealing with controversial subjects. Ellis' unique style of storytelling educates, informs, and entertains while building bridges of understanding and respect between different cultural groups.

For Ages Nine to Adult

©1992 Rex M. Ellis (P)1997 August House Publishers, Inc.
  • Abridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History

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FINALLY FOUND IT!!!!

I’m completely blind, autistic and have a chronic heart condition.
When I was at the school for the blind, as a kid, I read this book on a tape.
I remembered I liked it, so have been looking for it for quite a while.
Obviously as a kid, I didn’t understand as much as I do now as an adult.
Glad I found the book finally!!!!!!!!!!!

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