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Ready to Fly: How Sylvia Townsend Became the Bookmobile Ballerina

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( 505 ratings, 105 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Ready to Fly: How Sylvia Townsend Became the Bookmobile Ballerina is a children's book that tells the inspiring true story of Sylvia Townsend, an African American girl in the segregated South who dreams of becoming a ballerina. Despite facing numerous obstacles due to her race and limited resources, Sylvia finds strength and inspiration in books and her community’s bookmobile, which helps her journey towards achieving her dreams in dance. The story is an uplifting tale of determination and the power of reading.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$1999
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This enchanting children's book may appeal to you if you're looking for an inspiring story about determination and turning dreams into reality. It beautifully illustrates how passion and persistence can break down barriers and create a path where there seems to be none, all conveyed in a way that young readers can understand and enjoy.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

"Although there aren't many ballet schools that will accept a girl like Sylvia in the 1950s, her local bookmobile provides another possibility. A librarian helps Sylvia find a book about ballet and the determined seven-year-old, with the help of her new books, starts teaching herself the basics of classical ballet. Soon Sylvia learns how to fly--how to dance--and how to dare to dream"--

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Lyrical, inspiring, and affecting text paired with bright, appealing illustrations make Ready to Fly perfect for aspiring ballerinas everywhere who are ready to leap and to spread their wings!

Ready to Fly is the true story of Sylvia Townsend, an African American girl who falls in love with ballet after seeing Swan Lake on TV. This nonfiction picture book is an excellent choice to share at home or in the classroom.

Although there aren’t many ballet schools that will accept a girl like Sylvia in the 1950s, her local bookmobile provides another possibility. A librarian helps Sylvia find a book about ballet and the determined seven-year-old, with the help of her new books, starts teaching herself the basics of classical ballet.

Soon Sylvia learns how to flyβ€”how to danceβ€”and how to dare to dream.

Includes a foreword from Sylvia Townsend, a brief history of the bookmobile, an author’s note, and a further reading list.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The book is praised for its inspirational and uplifting narrative, showcasing perseverance and the dream of ballet being sparked by a library. It is highlighted for its engaging story about Sylvia Townsend, with vibrant illustrations that capture her journey and the spirit of ambition and community. Critics appreciate its engaging text and the historical insight into bookmobiles, making it a joyful read for children.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780062888792

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 02 March 2023

Country: United States

Imprint: HarperCollins

Contributors:

  • Illustrated by Jessica Gibson

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Width: 216.0mm

Height: 279.0mm

Weight: 191g

Pages: 40

About the Author

Lea Lyon has illustrated six award-winning picture books, including SAY SOMETHING, and PLAYING WAR. Her recent book, LAILAH'S LUNCHBOX, about a Muslim girl celebrating Ramadan in an American school, was named both an ALA Notable book and an NCSS Notable Social Studies book for 2016. Other honors include the Teachers' Choice Award from Learning Magazine, another NCSS Notable Social Studies Book, ILA-CBC Children's Choices list for 2016, two Skipping Stones awards, and two Moonbeam awards. Lea is the Illustrator Coordinator for the SCBWI San Francisco/South region. READY TO FLY is her first published picture book as an author. Visit her at www.lealyon.com. Jessica Gibson is a mostly self-taught freelance illustrator who graduated from Wayne County Community College with an associate of arts degree. Though she primarily illustrates children's books, Gibson also creates artwork for magazines and has an interest in character design. With a pen and tablet by her side, she loves creating adorable, whimsical, and sometimes quirky illustrations, ready to brighten up everyone's heart. You can visit her at www.jessicamgibson.com.

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