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beths0103's review against another edition
5.0
I love when books make me want to learn more about something. I've always known the name Alivn Ailey was related to the dance world and that he was African American, but that's pretty much where my knowledge of him ended. I will definitely be seeking out more books (and videos!) of him and his work because this book showed what an amazing and inspiring man he was in the world of dance.
annakim's review against another edition
5.0
Ever since I watched a performance of Alvin Ailey's American Dance Theater, I've been interested in learning more about the man who found this modern dance ensemble. This picture book does a wonderful job of introducing young readers to someone who dared to follow his dreams and influenced many others along the way.
the_lobrarian's review
- Illustrations are scratch board renderings, hand-colored with oil pastels
imperfectcj's review
5.0
When I finished reading this book to him, my five-and-a-half-year-old said, "Mom, if I could live a life like his, I would be so happy!" He then proceeded to demonstrate a dance he'd made up about the book. "Here's where I swing my hips!" he said. "Now get ready...I'm about to sing!" and he danced while belting out his rendition of "Rocka My Soul in the Bosom of Abraham," which appears in the book.
This book earned five stars just for the living room performance it inspired, but it was darned good even without it. Not only is the story inspiring and the illustrations wonderful, this is one of the few books I've found about a boy who dances that doesn't use (or imply) the word "sissy." It's just about a boy---and then a man---who loves to dance so much that he finds a way to share this love with the world. Just the kind of message I want for my ballet- and jazz-loving son.
This book earned five stars just for the living room performance it inspired, but it was darned good even without it. Not only is the story inspiring and the illustrations wonderful, this is one of the few books I've found about a boy who dances that doesn't use (or imply) the word "sissy." It's just about a boy---and then a man---who loves to dance so much that he finds a way to share this love with the world. Just the kind of message I want for my ballet- and jazz-loving son.
debz57a52's review
2.0
I really wanted to like this book, but I didn't connect well. The first chapter zooms in on one day's experience at Ailey's church before he leaves his hometown. Then much of the next few chapters are about general overview of his experience with different dance schools and establishing his own troupe. Finally, it zooms in on one performance his troupe did - inspired by his church from home - which brings the story full-circle. The structure is there, but it feels a little jerky in the zoom in/zoom out bits.
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