Customer Reviews

Jose! Born to Dance: The Story of Jose Limon (Tomas Rivera Mexican-American Children's Book Award (Awards))

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A beautifully illustrated biography of the dancer José Limon, this book has proven to be quite timely in light of recent events surrounding immigration. It chronicles how young José fled Mexico for America and endured ridicule in elementary school for his poor English. Regardless, José's determination to succeed prevailed, and his story always receives cheers when I read it to various elementary classes. To view this and other cool short book recommendations for all ages.[...]

This boy of Mexican dancer Jose Limon is beautiful. This young Mexican boy who immigrates to America and follows his dreams of becoming a painter is a pure joy to read. Painting is not the road he takes. Dancing finds him! After reading this book I proceeded to learn more about Jose and the his dancing career in New York. This book is amazing in it illustrations. I love any book Raul Colon illustrates! I think 1st-3rd graders would enjoy this book.

José! Born To Dance is a beautifully written and illustrated biography of José Limón (1908-1972), one of the great dancer/choreographers of the twentieth century. José was the oldest child in a large Mexican family that immigrated to the United States after his father lost his job as a result of the Mexican revolution. Taunted in school, José became determined to learn English better than his classmates and within three years, he spoke with confidence. Inspired by his artistic talent, José left his family in California and traveled to New York, where he discovered that his talents lay in dance rather than visual arts. After years of study and hard work, José formed his own dance company, which continues to tour today. His dances are still performed by major dance companies throughout the world.

Written in poetic prose and illustrated in luminous watercolor and colored pencil, this biography will delight young readers, as well as offer lessons in the connection between determination, hard work, and success.

This wonderful children's book introduces a new Mexican Americn cultural icon to kids everywhere. Jose Limon and his family moved to the United States from Mexico when he was still a child. He was determined to be the best at whatever he was set to do. It wasn't until after the passing of his mother and moving to New York that he discovered his passion for dancing. Through his determination, he succeeded to become a great dancer and choreographer (Reich 2005). There are many great illustrations to accompany this simple text in this wonderfully told biography. It is such a great book for children for them to see how determination and persistence help you to become someone you want to be.