For so many families, the past two years been tumultuous--saturated with unexpected changes, necessary adjustments, and a heavy dose of soul searching along the way. That's how it's been for my family, so unfortunately my blog didn't get much attention during the thick of it all. But...I am back. I am ready to reboot my blog. I am ready to talk some more about picture books and dance!!
Since it is International Women's Day, what better way to celebrate than to feature a picture book full of women who both made history and informed the future, helping pave the way for so many who came after them. And this is Picture Books & Pirouettes, after all, so this book must be about dancers :)
Black Ballerinas: My Journey to Our Legacy is a compilation of 27 stories of Black ballerinas who fought back against discrimination throughout the past 100 years and influenced the career of the book's author, Misty Copeland, who made history herself as the first Black female principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre. Each story in the book is very personal, with Misty describing not only biographical information about each dancer but also detailed thoughts and feelings about her own connection the women. I actually got goosebumps reading some of the stories!
Each story is accompanied by a full-page drawing of the featured dancer by illustrator Salena Barnes. The art is contemporary and whimsical, with a wonderful sense of movement and joy and a soft pallet of greys, golds, pinks, and blues. Each illustration is also accompanied by an inspirational quote by the dancer. Although this picture book is not intended for the youngest children, it is a powerful book for older children through adults interested in dance, history, and the strength of women.
Giveaway
Luck was on my side not too long ago when I was browsing the children's section of a book store and came across a copy of Black Ballerinas that was signed by Misty Copeland. Of course I snapped it up. And today I would like to offer it to one of you!
All you have to do is leave a comment on this blog post and either follow up with the comments or leave your contact information so I can reach you if you win. One idea is to leave a comment about a special woman (past or present) who has influenced your own life.
The giveaway will close at 12:00 am EST on March 16, 2022, and I will use a random number generator to choose the winner. Good luck, and Happy International Women's Day!
My Grandmother. She was born in 1903 & witnessed the invention of almost everything! She migrated to the US in her 50s. She used her skills-cooking & sewing to make everyone's lives a bit more lavish! She loved parties, costumes & practical jokes, she was a master! She is the most positive person I've ever known.
ReplyDeleteShe sounds like an amazing woman. Thank you for letting us celebrate her with you!
DeleteI’m so glad you’re back to blogging about my two favorite subjects, books and dance, and thank you for this generous offer! An amazing woman I admire is actually in this book, Aesha Ash, who was my classmate at SAB. She has persisted in the face of adversity and risen in the world of dance all while spreading her positivity and generosity to everyone around her. She’s a real hero! (Miriamlandis@gmail.com)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Miriam. Books and dance are a great pairing, aren't they? :) That is amazing about your connection to Aesha Ash, and what a small world! Thanks for sharing :)
DeleteThe winner of this giveaway is....Miriam! Thank you both for entering, though -- it could have gone either way! I'm hoping to host more giveaways this year, so hope you will both come back soon. Happy Women's History Month!
ReplyDelete