I was thrilled to read this new book today, A Dance Like Starlight: One Ballerina's Dream by Kristy Dempsey and illustrator Floyd Cooper.
This picture book will be a great read to students in grades 2-4. It is partially a story of a child's dream, and partially the telling of the tale of Janet Collins, the first African American ballerina hired under contract to dance for the Metropolitan Opera in 1951. I myself learned a lot today reading this story.
The main character in the book is a young girl with hopes and dreams. Her mother sews costumes for a ballet company in the tale. The story ends with the little girl and her mother getting to see Janet Collins perform on stage.
A Dance Like Starlight: One Ballerina's Dream is an excellent addition to children's literature on dance, and perfectly timed as we celebrate African American History Month in February.
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