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9781623545659

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A picture-book salute to pioneering dancer Debbie Allen. “In the heart / of the Third Ward / of Houston, Texas, / beneath a star-covered sky… / the wind stirs its nighttime song / as Debbie begins.” Young Debbie starts to dance. But it’s the 1950s, and Black people face barriers: “White signs / painted with black words / with a message loud and clear: / people like Debbie / are simply not welcome here.” “Here” includes the local dance school. Debbie’s mother can’t abide the thought of her daughter’s wasted potential and dashed dreams, so “with the wind at their backs, / they cross the border, / feet planted on new soil.” Charles’ poetic approach to biographizing Allen’s childhood is lovely, though at times it relegates details to the backmatter: The “new soil” where Debbie and her mother relocate isn’t identified in the main narrative, for instance, though the author’s note clarifies that it’s Mexico City. Nor does the main text clue in readers about Allen’s considerable adult accomplishments; readers learn only that Debbie returns to Houston after “some years,” continues to dance, and ultimately enjoys a successful stage career: “Beneath the white-bright lights, / the music sings / as history unfolds.” Still, the verse sparkles, and the book’s reach-for-the-sky imperative is reinforced by Lucius’ sleek and glossy digital art, in which dancing Debbie is frequently flanked by twinkly stars. Uplifting and glowing. —Kirkus Reviews

Author Information

Tami Charles is the New York Times best-selling author of All Because You Matter, and numerous books for children and young adults. Her middle-grade debut, Like Vanessa, earned Top-10 spots on the Indies Introduce and Spring Kids' Next lists, three starred reviews, and was a Junior Library Guild selection. She wrote a YA novel-in-verse, Muted, and a follow-up to All Because You Matter called We Are Here. When Tami isn't writing, she can be found presenting at schools both stateside and abroad. Born in Haiti and raised in sunny Florida, Meredith Lucius pulls inspiration from the vibrant cultural aspects both lands offer. The diverse environment of Miami and later Tampa informed her art and instilled a hunger for more representation in books. Meredith's passions primarily focus on encouraging equity through inclusive book illustration and character design. Meredith lives in Kansas City. www.meredithlucius.com

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