A young reader's portrait of dancer and choreographer Alvin Ailey considers what the young Alvin might have thought and said and interposes facts about his life and dance theater. Reprint. PW. H. C.
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Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
In their first children's book collaboration, this markedly talented husband-and-wife team offers a warm profile of dancer and choreographer Alvin Ailey (1931-1989), whose dance company lives on today. The author deftly combines elements of fiction and biography, intertwining Ailey's alleged thoughts and conversations with facts about his childhood, his introduction to the world of dance in Los Angeles during the mid-1940s and his founding of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York City in 1958. This effective amalgam of genres easily draws the reader into Ailey's life, lending it appeal for those previously unacquainted with the legendary artist as well as for young fans eager to learn how Ailey launched his impressive career. Matching the finesse of the writing are Brian Pinkney's signature scratchboard renderings handpainted with oil pastels, which manage to convey stateliness as well as quickness, and which culminate in a vivid, motion-filled spread featuring dancers in Ailey's company reeling across the stage--and seemingly right off the pages. Ages 5-9.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 3-An accessible picture-book biography that recounts Ailey's boyhood in Texas and his roots in the black church, moves with him and his mother to Los Angeles where he begins to dance, and then proceeds on to New York where he hones his talents and forms his own troupe. Brian Pinkney's marvelously detailed scratchboard drawings are tinted with pastels to show the sweep and flow of dancers caught in the act of leaping, twirling, and soaring through the air. His figures are large and bold, reflecting the spiritual and creative energy of Ailey himself and the performance artists who brought his choreography to life. As such, the book is both informative and inspiring and will make an excellent addition to most collections.
Carol Jones Collins, Montclair Kimberley Academy, NJ
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Carol Jones Collins, Montclair Kimberley Academy, NJ
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
DANCING TO HIS OWN BEAT: ALVIN AILEY,
By A Customer
This review is from: Alvin Ailey (Paperback)
Readers may have heard the name "Alvin Ailey" but this book makes the man live. From the time he was a kid his life was music: at first in church. Alvin's moving, leaping body is caught perfectly in the scratchboard illustrations toned with watercolors and acrylic. A fine top choice biography of an African-American artist!
5.0 out of 5 stars
Dancer's dream,
A Kid's Review
This review is from: Alvin Ailey (Paperback)
I think that this book was a really good book because, Alvin make his dream come true by dancing on a stage. I recommend this book to those people who wanted to dance and make their dreams come true.
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Inside This Book
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Citations (learn more)
22
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- Great Books for African-American Children by Pamela A. Toussaint on page 116, page 128, and page 247
- The Reading Connection: Bringing Parents, Teachers, and Librarians Together by Elizabeth Knowles on page 41, and page 102
- Spirited Minds: African American Books for Our Sons and Our Brothers by Archie Givens on page 9, and Back Matter
- Black Books Galore's Guide to Great African American Children's Books by Donna Rand on page 58, and Back Matter
- The Persona Book: Curriculum-Based Enrichment for Educators, History Through Role-Playing by Katherie Grimes Lallier in Back Matter
See all 22 books citing this book
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