lady_mair's review against another edition
5.0
Everything about this book is beautiful, from the lyrical text to the soft, rounded illustrations to Janet Collins herself.
msgabbythelibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
This is another story of a strong female role model--a prima ballerina named Janet Collins. It is a story of never giving up and of working towards a dream.
It's a book told in rhyme which I feel make it quite easy for younger readers to enjoy. Because it is about ballet, I see it being a book that children gravitate to based on the cover. But what I love is how it is a story where you can have those harder conversations. I mean, it is sad but true that part of our history is racial segregation. I have never experienced it (and I hope and pray I never will), but many people have. These are people like Janet Collins--so skilled at what they do yet are not given a chance because of their skin.
Yet it only takes one person to change the cycle. We see it in this book. And we can see it today too. What if we are that one person?
It's a book told in rhyme which I feel make it quite easy for younger readers to enjoy. Because it is about ballet, I see it being a book that children gravitate to based on the cover. But what I love is how it is a story where you can have those harder conversations. I mean, it is sad but true that part of our history is racial segregation. I have never experienced it (and I hope and pray I never will), but many people have. These are people like Janet Collins--so skilled at what they do yet are not given a chance because of their skin.
Yet it only takes one person to change the cycle. We see it in this book. And we can see it today too. What if we are that one person?
heisereads's review against another edition
5.0
A lovely, poetic tribute to the perseverance & talent of one of the first Black prima ballerinas. Beautifully illustrated.
abigailbat's review against another edition
This fantastic book uses rhythmic, rhyming text to describe the childhood and early adulthood of prima ballerina Janet Collins. Turned away again and again by dance schools that would not accept African American students, Collins never gave up and eventually made it to the big stage as a prima ballerina in 1951. This is a great picture book biography to add to your collection. Pair with A DANCE LIKE STARLIGHT for another bio of Janet Collins or FIREBIRD by Misty Copeland.
sunflowerjess's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
4.5
I had never heard of Janet Collins before coming across this book. She was the first African American prima ballerina; in 1951, she made her prima ballerina debut with the Metropolitan Opera House. Barred from attending the Ballet Russe due to racial discrimination, Janet determinedly took private lessons and excelled in ballet, Spanish, and ethnic dances. This was an inspiring and informative read.
backonthealex's review against another edition
4.0
Even before Raven Wilkinson, Misty Copeland, and other dancers of color, there was Janet Collins. Janet's story unfold in rhyming verse beginning with her childhood in New Orleans, where her mother made costumes to pay for her ballet lessons. Supported by her family, Janet became part of a popular trio of daredevil dancers billed as Three Shades of Brown. Later, while still in her teens, Janet would audition for the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, where her dancing skills were welcome but only if she would agree to lighten her skin. Not willing to do that, Janet eventually found a ballet class that welcomed her for who she was. With hard work and dedication, Janet became the first African American prima ballerina in 1951, dancing for the Metropolitan Opera. The rhyme, which echoes "The House that Jack Built" never loses it rhythm, seems to pare Janet Collins's accomplishments down a little too simply, but there is a detailed Author's Note that fills in the blanks. The soft, spare illustrations, created with Adobe Photoshop, also add to this biography, capturing the gentle ballet dance movements of this remarkable dancer and inspiring trailblazer. Back matter also includes resources for further exploration, and three websites relating to Janet Collins in particular and ballet in general.
calistareads's review against another edition
4.0
Another brave new soul I’m able to learn about through a children’s book. This is a beginning book told in rhyme with lovely soft illustrations.
Janet Collins was a Prima Ballerina in 1951 when it was difficult for people of color to attend classes for learning her art. She persevered and found teachers who could see her innate talent. One school told her she could study there if she were willing to paint her skin white. Wow, that is incredible how warped that is. This was one brave soul. She is an inspiration.
My niece loves dancing and she was very interested in this book. She gave it 4 stars. I would love to see her take dancing, but she doesn’t like giving up her free time. I didn’t even read this to the nephew.
Janet Collins was a Prima Ballerina in 1951 when it was difficult for people of color to attend classes for learning her art. She persevered and found teachers who could see her innate talent. One school told her she could study there if she were willing to paint her skin white. Wow, that is incredible how warped that is. This was one brave soul. She is an inspiration.
My niece loves dancing and she was very interested in this book. She gave it 4 stars. I would love to see her take dancing, but she doesn’t like giving up her free time. I didn’t even read this to the nephew.
kalynharris's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
I had never heard of Janet Collins before reading this book, but I would love to hear more! An incredible story with beautiful illustrations.