Dancing in the Wings [Paperback]

Debbie Allen (Author), Kadir Nelson (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: K and up

Sassy is a long-legged girl who always has something to say. She wants to be a ballerina more than anything, but she worries that her too-large feet, too-long legs, and even her big mouth will keep her from her dream. When a famous director comes to visit her class, Sassy does her best to get his attention with her high jumps and bright leotard. Her first attempts are definitely not appreciated, but with Sassy's persistence, she just might be able to win him over. Dancing in the Wings is loosely based on actress/choreographer Debbie Allen's own experiences as a young dancer.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The creators of Brothers of the Knight here offer an inspirational story of a hopeful young ballet dancer who complains of her too-big feet and too-long legs: "I was too big for the boys to pick up, and too tall to be in line with the other girls. So I watched from backstage, dancing in the wings, hoping that if I just kept dancing and trying, it would be my turn to dance in the spotlight." Though her brother and several of her peers constantly razz her, Sassy's uncle encourages her to audition for a role in a summer dance festival, asserting, "All you gotta do to make your mark on the world is walk into a room." The director of the festival echoes this sentiment when he announcesAin the book's foreseeable denouementAthat Sassy has landed a place in his program. Allen's wordy narrative occasionally tries too hard to be hip (featuring such slang put-downs as "Your mama" and "Talk to the hand"), but this tale may well boost the confidence of youngsters who share Sassy's lack of self-assuredness. Nelson's animated illustrations depict Sassy with a grace that belies her self-image and that effectively foreshadows the accolades to come. Ages 4-8. (Sept.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2-This charming picture book focuses on the world of ballet classes, and children's cruelty toward those who are different. Sassy loves to dance but she is tall, gangly, and has really big feet. Her desire to perform is her strongest asset. When she soars through the air in a giant leap, she feels like she can do anything. Sassy does indeed live up to her name. This African-American child is fresh, she is innovative-she wears a bright yellow leotard to stand out in the crowd-and she is determined. The story is sure to build self-esteem in those readers who can empathize with Sassy and they'll cheer when she takes center stage in a dance festival in the nation's capital. Nelson's artwork conveys Sassy's spirit and captures well the expressions of her smug, mocking classmates. A great read-aloud.
Kay Bowes, Concord Pike Library, Wilmington, DE
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (December 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0142501417
• ISBN-13: 978-0142501412
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.4 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (36 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #43,557 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #6 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Arts & Music > Performing Arts > Fiction
  • #13 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Arts & Music > Performing Arts > Dance
  • #23 in Books > Children's Books > Arts, Crafts & Music > Performing Arts > Dance

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My class never laughed so hard!, March 29, 2003

By 

Dana H. Pasterjak "Dana" (Palm Coast, FL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dancing in the Wings (Hardcover)

I'm a fifth grade elementary school teacher and work in a black neighborhood. Recently our theme for the week was the biography of the famous ballet star, Evelyn Cisneros.Unfortunately, our school library did not have any information on Cisneros at the time. Instead, our media specialist read this wonderful book by Debbie Allen of "FAME" fame. Well, let me tell you, my students never laughed so hard during a book. They just simply loved it.

Put-downs are a fact of life, especially (and unfortunately) in elementary school. I think the students really got the message loud and clear and in a fun and interesting, not preachy, way. As a class, we discussed how people are different and we need to accept others without making fun of them. It was also clear that we sound horrible when we tease and taunt each other, too. There were really great points of discussion above and beyond ballet and dancing.

Debbie Allen is truly talented and not just as a dancer! My students learned about the world of ballet, which was new to them. They were engaged while being read to and afterwards enjoyed talking and laughing about this book. I found it to be a tremendous teaching tool in that it opened up many topics of discussion that week and students connected to this book in an exciting way. It spoke to them in their own language and that's a difficult thing to do! My students can be hard to reach through books and yet Debbie Allen accomplished it with ease.

The pictures were a delight, very expressive. I will buy this book now and use it in my classroom every year. I strongly recommend this book as a teaching tool, in all neighborhoods. I hope Allen writes more for children soon.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Something to be proud of!, February 12, 2003

By 

K. Stewart (United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dancing in the Wings (Hardcover)

As a woman who is used to being the tallest female in the room, this book was a delight for me. It's clear to her father and I that our 3 year old daughter will be following in the footsteps(size 10 1/2) of her mother. We read this book now and then because it's never too soon to promote a positive self-image. I want my daughter to embrace her size and be proud of who she is.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My Daughter Loves Sassy! My Daughter Is Sassy!, June 20, 2007

By 

Toddler's Mommy (Friendswood, TX USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dancing in the Wings (Paperback)

I love books that are entertaining and teach a valuable lesson, which this book does. My 4-year old daughter absolutely loves Sassy!! When we read this book, she says that she is Sassy! My daughter recently had her recital after her first year of dance classes. This has been one of her favorite books during the year and in "preparation" for her recital. This book really touched my heart because my daughter is slim and tall for her age (the tallest in her dance class). She was also the only African-American in her class, which was a new experience for her. I love the way the book illustrates how being different doesn't have to be a negative, but can be a positive, depending on how you respond to it (an early lesson in self-esteeem and the beauty of diversity)! My daughter had a wonderful time in her ballet class and was not teased for being different. But I'm sure it will happen one day, as it does with all children. When it does, we can refer to her "Sassy book."