Today is World Ballet Day! It is a fairly new annual celebration that gives admirers of the art form a peek behind the scenes of many ballet companies around the globe—rehearsals, classes, etc—via live streaming. Historically, Black dancers were shut out of the ballet world because of racism and prejudices about their bodies and abilities. But there were extraordinary performers, like Janet Collins, Misty Copeland, and more known and unknown (because their stories haven’t been told) dancers who realized their dreams despite the obstacles. The books featured include fiction and nonfiction titles and are an inspiration for girls and boys . Two of the books have not been released yet but are available for preorder.
For more ballet picture books as well as chapter and YA selections, see “Pliés and Pirouettes.” Happy Reading!
1. Charlotte and the Nutcracker: The True Story of a Girl Who Made Ballet History
Charlotte Nebres | Alea Marley | Random House BYR | 2021 | PB | Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound
2. Parker Shines On: Another Extraordinary Moment (A Parker Curry Book)
Parker Curry | Jessica Curry | Brittany Jackson | Aladdin | 2021 | PB | Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound
3. When Langston Dances
Kaija Langley | Keith Mallett | Denene Millner/S&S BYR | 2021 | PB | Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound
4. Zuri Ray Tries Ballet
Tami Charles | Sharon Sordo | HarperCollins | 2021 | PB | Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound
5. Bunheads
Misty Copeland | Setor Fiadzigbey | G.P. Putnam’s Sons BYR | 2020 | PB | Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound
6. Brave Ballerina: The Story of Janet Collins
Michelle Meadows | Ebony Glenn | PB | Henry Holt and Co. BYR | 2019 | Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound
7. This Is It
Daria Peoples-Riley | PB | Greenwillow Books | 2018 | Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound
8. Firebird
Misty Copeland | Christopher Myers | PB | G.P. Putnam’s Sons BYR | 2014 | Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound
9. Dancing in the Wings
Debbie Allen | Kadir Nelson | PB | Dial Books | 2000 | Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound
This year, GivingTuesday is on November 30, 2021. Please consider donating to support our mission to promote awareness of children’s and young adult literature by Black authors.
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