Introduce your child to one of the most influential African American dancers and choreographers in history with the children’s book Alvin Ailey, part of the Leaders Like Us series.
Who was Alvin Ailey? Children will love tuning in to this engaging biography that explores Alvin’s cultural and groundbreaking contributions to dance, choreography, and Broadway theater.
Fun Storybook Features:
- This children’s book features a timeline, post-reading questions, and an interactive activity to develop reading comprehension skills.
- 24 pages of vibrant illustrations
About Rourke Educational Media:
We proudly publish respectful and relevant nonfiction and fiction titles that represent our diverse readers, and are designed to support reading on a level that has no limits!
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This nonfiction book gives readers a backstage pass to Alvin Ailey’s incredible career as a dancer and choreographer. Director of a world-renowned dance theater, Ailey used dance to explore stories of race and sexuality, and proved that there are no limits when you dare to dream—and dance.
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Gr 1-4–Lesser known but important people are featured in this eclectic mix of biographies. Readers learn of Alvin Ailey who overcame prejudice against his color and homosexuality to become the head of a dance theater and achieve a Kennedy Center honor. Pauli Murray was an activist for feminism and civil rights who eventually became an Episcopalian priest. Sally Ride achieved a degree in physics and became the first American woman in space. Sylvia Rivera was an early LGBTQ activist who fought for the inclusion of transgender people within the gay community and Gabby Douglas became the first American woman gymnast to win the Olympic gold medal in all around and individual events. The narratives are simple and straightforward. LGBTQ subjects are treated with sensitivity although the harsher circumstances of some lives, particularly Ailey, Murray, and Rivera, are omitted (appropriately for the intended audience). The accompanying pictures are serviceable if not outstanding. While there are other titles available on Ride and Douglas, little is out there about Ailey, Murray, and Rivera, thus these volumes will be of value. VERDICT These biographies introduce young readers to important but little-known leaders and should be considered for inclusion in school and public libraries. -School Library Journal
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Alvin didn’t let anything—or anybody—stop him from dancing. When he grew up, he helped other dancers achieve their dreams. Meet Alvin Ailey—a visionary dancer and choreographer who used his gifts to inspire others and change lives.
