Vive La Paris

This companion to SAHARA SPECIAL features fifth-grader Paris McCray. Tichina Arnold's voice is a good match for Paris, who is sincere and loyal, with an independent spirit. Paris introduces us to her large family, her opinionated classmates, and her Jewish piano teacher, Mrs. Rosen. Arnold aptly conveys Paris's desire to foster justice--whether in fighting a school bully or researching the Holocaust. The production would be better if the dialogue were more distinct. In conversation it's difficult to identify each speaker. However, the story's message of charity and tolerance clearly emerges through Arnold's nuanced voice. Listeners will view the world from Paris's hopeful perspective and be made richer by it. C.A. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine