puddingtaco's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
beblackbeloved's review against another edition
5.0
Flipping this the pages of this book, I was reminded of when I witnessed Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater perform. Seeing the limber bodies of these dancers— fluidly interpreting the joyous and sometimes even sorrowful songs my ancestors through movement. I saw myself in a different way from that moment on. And though I’m not the greatest dancer the tradition of rhythmic movement within the Black community is glorious. And to see this represented in a children’s book for young Black boys brought a smile to my face.
bardo's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
ajv930's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
erine's review against another edition
inspiring
3.5
A glowing celebration of dance and movement. I love that Langston is not pigeonholed into anything: he likes basketball, he loves ballet, he shines at movement in general. I love that there is no shame in him wearing his basketball uniform to dance class, there is no shame in him no knowing how everything works at first, there's just a thoroughly welcoming atmosphere. An attitude of "come dance with us!"
The only major disappointment were the final pages, which strongly imply that Langston grows up to become a phenomenal dancer and for some reason that had me looking for backmatter (about the Alvin Ailey company, about a specific dancer who inspired this book, I'm not sure what I was looking for, but I turned the page with high expectations for something more and it just... ended). This was clearly my own personal problem, but it was still a letdown.
Overall, though this was a solid, enjoyable, positive read.
The only major disappointment were the final pages, which strongly imply that Langston grows up to become a phenomenal dancer and for some reason that had me looking for backmatter (about the Alvin Ailey company, about a specific dancer who inspired this book, I'm not sure what I was looking for, but I turned the page with high expectations for something more and it just... ended). This was clearly my own personal problem, but it was still a letdown.
Overall, though this was a solid, enjoyable, positive read.
de_es_em's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
A beautifully written and illustrated book! Perfect for all young readers looking for their special passions.
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