Black Girl Magic: Ballerinas & Other Historical Figures

English Middle Graders Black Culture & Identity summary Both of these books are beautiful collections of badass historical figures, many of whom are still alive and continuing to make history! If you’re in the market for nonfiction anthologies about historical figures (like I am 100% of the time) make sure you check these out from…

When Langston Dances

English Any Age! Black Boy Joy Ballet Dance Perseverance Following Dreams Kaija Langley & Keith Mallett summary Full disclosure: Kaija is a close friend of mine. However, even if we had never met (which is honestly very distressing to think about) I would be just as obsessed with this book. Black boy joy? Check. Following…

The Sea in Winter

English MG & Up Indigenous Voices Mental health Depression Athleticism Dance Own Voices Christine Day Summary: The Sea in Winter is Christine Day’s latest, and it’s a lovely novel that broaches topics of mental health, blended families, and adapting to unexpected (and disliked) changes in life. Maisie is a ballerina, and healing from a torn…

Firebird

Written by: Misty Copeland with Charisse Jones Illustrated by: Christopher Myers For ages: 4 years and up Language: English Topics Covered: Trailblazers, POC-Centric Narratives, Poetry, Ballet, Historical Figure, Historical Events, Art, Growing Up, Hard Work, Inspiration.  Summary: This book is a beautiful conversation between trailblazing ballerina Misty Copeland and a young hopeful.  Lyrical text and flowing illustrations help capture the long…