Katherine Dunham: Pioneer of Black Dance (Trailblazer Biographies) [Hardcover]

Barbara O'Connor (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up | Series: Trailblazer Biographies

A biography of Katherine Dunham, emphasizing her childhood, her love of anthropology and dance, and the creation of her unique dance style.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-8-Drawing on Dunham's own autobiographical writings, O'Connor details the life and achievements of this noted African-American dancer, choreographer, and teacher. The author recounts the dancer's difficult family situation and the racism she faced growing up in Illinois. She also discusses Dunham's desire to understand the roots of African dance and the fieldwork she did in Haiti. The book concludes with mention of Dunham's fast at the age of 82 to protest the U.S. government's treatment of Haitians attempting to enter the country. Throughout the accessible text, the performer's contributions and struggles are clearly portrayed. Attractive black-and-white photographs appear on almost every page.
Janet Woodward, Garfield High School, Seattle, WA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Katherine Dunham was one of the first choreographers to explore her African American roots and express them through dance. She grew up in Illinois, studied anthropology at the University of Chicago, made field studies of black cultures of the Caribbean, toured in her own dance company, and choreographed pieces for stage, screen, and college productions. Dunham and her husband traveled extensively and lived for a time in Haiti, but they eventually settled in East St. Louis, where she incorporated the community's young people into her vision of arts training and expression. O'Connor opens a door for readers to see not only Dunham as a person but also presents the challenges facing her as a black woman of energy and vision making her own way in mid-twentieth century America. Black-and-white photographs illustrate the text. A solid entry in the Trailblazer Biography series. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Hardcover: 112 pages
• Publisher: Carolrhoda Books; First Edition edition (January 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1575053535
• ISBN-13: 978-1575053530
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #557,653 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Barbara O'Connor was born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina. She draws on her Southern roots to write award-winning books for children in grades 3 to 6. Her awards include the Parents Choice Gold and Silver Award, American Library Association Notable Books, and IRA Notable Books for a Global Society. Her books have been nominated for children's choice awards in over 20 states and voted as a state favorite by children in South Carolina, Indiana, Kansas, and South Dakota. When Barbara isn't busy writing, she travels to schools to conduct writing workshops with young students, works in her garden, walks with her dogs, and thinks up ways to avoid cooking.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book series, March 3, 2010

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K. - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Katherine Dunham: Pioneer of Black Dance (Trailblazer Biographies) (Hardcover)

I ordered a set of these books for a school in Chicago. Every kids needs a hero and every kid needs access to books.