Alvin Ailey

by Kaitlyn Duling, Arvilla Mae Morett (Illustrator)

Overview

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!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781731652812
Publisher:	Rourke Educational Media
Publication date:	09/27/2022
Series:	Leaders Like Us
Pages:	24
Product dimensions:	7.70(w) x 10.00(h) x (d)
Lexile:	610L (what's this?)
Age Range:	6 - 10 Years

About the Author

Words are powerful, Kaitlyn Duling has always believed that words can change hearts, minds, and actions-and that stories about the past are one key to a better future. She grew up shy in Paxton, Illinois, but now lives out loud (and proud!) with her wife in Washington, DC. Kaitlyn has written more than one hundred books for children and teens. You can learn more about her at kaitlynduling.com.

Arvilla Mae Morett is an illustrator and artist focused on feminism, mental health, and animal rights. She loves exploring new mediums such as watercolor and gouache. Her adventurous spirit allows her to express ideas and educate through lustrations. When she isn't creating, you can find her spending time with her family or helping foster dogs.

Table of Contents

Discovering Dance 4

Becoming a Choreographer 6

Stepping into the Spotlight 16

Time Line 21

Glossary 22

Index 23

Text-Dependent Questions 23

Extension Activity 23

About the Author and Illustrator 24

Editorial Reviews

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

From the Publisher