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…

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…

Trailblazer: The Story of Ballerina Raven Wilkinson

Written by: Leda Schubert Illustrated by: Theodore Taylor III For Ages: 6-9 years Language: English Topics Covered: Trailblazer, POC-Centric Narratives, Historical Figures, Acceptance, Courage, Perseverance. Summary: This book follows the story of Raven Wilkinson, the first black ballerina to tour with a major American touring troupe.  Raven became fascinated with ballet when she was young,…