Little ballerinas have big dreams. Dreams of pirouettes and grande jetes, dreams of attending the best ballet schools and of dancing starring roles on stage. But in Harlem in the 1950s, dreams don’t always come true—they take a lot of work and a lot of hope. And sometimes hope is hard to come by.
But the first African-American prima ballerina, Janet Collins, did make her dreams come true. And those dreams inspired ballerinas everywhere, showing them that the color of their skin couldn’t stop them from becoming a star.
In a lyrical tale as beautiful as a dance en pointe, Kristy Dempsey and Floyd Cooper tell the story of one little ballerina who was inspired by Janet Collins to make her own dreams come true.
“Dempsey’s lyrical prose soars . . . ” Starred Review — Booklist
“A warm inspirational collaboration that will resonate in the hearts of all who dream.” Starred Review — Kirkus Reviews
A bravura performance from start to finish.” Bookpage Reviews
A Junior Library Guild Spring 2014 Selection