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sparklelys's review
5.0
There are any number of great dance books coming out this fall, but this is the only one that left me with goosebumps. Langston dancing at home and in the streets may not be like "all the other guys", but for sure guys dance like that -- he's seen the Alvin Ailey Dance Company. So he walks right past the classrooms of tappers (those are my people, to be sure), the hip hoppers, the African dancers, and joins a room full of pink tutus and leaps into action to earn his ballet shoes. (PS I have an elementary school friend, Alicia Graf Mack, who was on Alvin Ailey billboards some years ago. Dream big, and go for it!!)
moxiegirlzriot's review
5.0
A lovely look at a boy dancing, doing something that he loves no matter what anyone else says
puddingtaco's review
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
beblackbeloved's review
5.0
Flipping this the pages of this book, I was reminded of when I witnessed Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater perform. Seeing the limber bodies of these dancers— fluidly interpreting the joyous and sometimes even sorrowful songs my ancestors through movement. I saw myself in a different way from that moment on. And though I’m not the greatest dancer the tradition of rhythmic movement within the Black community is glorious. And to see this represented in a children’s book for young Black boys brought a smile to my face.
bardo's review
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
ajv930's review
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
erine's review
inspiring
3.5
A glowing celebration of dance and movement. I love that Langston is not pigeonholed into anything: he likes basketball, he loves ballet, he shines at movement in general. I love that there is no shame in him wearing his basketball uniform to dance class, there is no shame in him no knowing how everything works at first, there's just a thoroughly welcoming atmosphere. An attitude of "come dance with us!"
The only major disappointment were the final pages, which strongly imply that Langston grows up to become a phenomenal dancer and for some reason that had me looking for backmatter (about the Alvin Ailey company, about a specific dancer who inspired this book, I'm not sure what I was looking for, but I turned the page with high expectations for something more and it just... ended). This was clearly my own personal problem, but it was still a letdown.
Overall, though this was a solid, enjoyable, positive read.
The only major disappointment were the final pages, which strongly imply that Langston grows up to become a phenomenal dancer and for some reason that had me looking for backmatter (about the Alvin Ailey company, about a specific dancer who inspired this book, I'm not sure what I was looking for, but I turned the page with high expectations for something more and it just... ended). This was clearly my own personal problem, but it was still a letdown.
Overall, though this was a solid, enjoyable, positive read.
de_es_em's review
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
A beautifully written and illustrated book! Perfect for all young readers looking for their special passions.
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