Illustrator: Anna Cunha
Published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers on January 11, 2022
Genres: Picture Book
Pages: 40
Format: Hardcover
Source: Publisher
Africa’s grandmother was a double Dutch legend, and Africa knows she can become the same. Her brother scoffs when she signs up for a double Dutch competition, though—how can she hope to compete when she’s never done it before? But Africa has all the tools she needs: memories of her grandmother, her bestie Bianca’s dance moves, her friend Omar’s rhythm, and her classmates’ Mary Mack timing and cartwheels.
If Africa can pull everything together to jump some winning moves, she might just fly, but it’s the birthmark in the shape of her name that tells her she’s always been a winner.
I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
When she sees a poster advertising an upcoming double Dutch Competition, Africa decides to participate and show the world what she’s made of. The problem: she’s never double Dutched before. When practicing by herself proves fruitless, she decides to ask her friends for help. None of them has double Dutched either, but they each have something unique to teach her. Something that can help her “jump, fly, double Dutch to the sky.”
The author creates a beat and rhythm to the story by restating Africa’s query on how to double Dutch and by repeating her resolve to “jump, fly, double Dutch to the sky.” The illustrations are bold and vivid, just like Africa’s confidence in her ability to learn how to double Dutch within a week.
Fly is about perseverance, community, and self-confidence. It’s about a girl fearlessly pursuing her dreams—and showing the world what she’s made of.
Favorite Quote
When Langston Dances by Kaija Langley“What’s a competition?” Africa asks her brother.
“It’s when you show the world what you’re made of,” he answers.
Published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers on September 7, 2021
Genres: Picture Book
Pages: 40
Format: Hardcover
Source: Publisher
Langston likes basketball okay, but what he loves is to dance—ever since he saw the Alvin Ailey Dance Company perform. He longs to twirl into a pirouette, whirl into a piqué. He wants to arabesque and attitude, grand battement and grand jeté. When he walks, the whole street is his stage.
With his neighborhood cheering him on, will Langston achieve his dream?
I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
After watching the Alvin Ailey Dance Company perform, Langston falls in love with ballet. Photorealistic illustrations depict his dips, kicks, and spins down the street and into dance school.
When Langston Dances is an affirming book. A boy can like sports (such as basketball) and also love dance. It acknowledges, through a passing kid, that some people think boys “don’t dance like that.” But Langston doesn’t allow the comment to deter him. He has seen men dance ballet, and he knows he wants to do the same. The story proceeds to show diverse kids, both boys and girls, doing various forms of dance at the school. Supportive adults include Langston’s mother and dance teacher.
What I love most about this book is Langston’s sheer joy and love of dance. He looks most alive when he’s dancing, and it made me want to dance too.
Favorite Quote
“Do you think I can dance like that?” Langston asked his mother.
“You can do whatever you set your mind to doing,” his mother said.
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