Picture book
When writer Kaija Langley and illustrator Keith Mallett collaborated on When Langston Dances they created one of the most eloquent and beautiful picture books ever. It steamrolls a still too prevalent stereotype with grace and dignity.
Langston loves ballet.
"He fell in love the first time his mother took him to see the Alvin Ailey Dance Company. So many bodies soaring across the stage. Spinning, leaping, twirling dancers everywhere."
Langston's mother affirms him when he asks if he has it in him to dance like that. He practices and practices. On his first day of professional lessons he is dancing to the studio only to be told by a peer that "Boys don't dance like that."
Is that going to deter our protagonist? You'd better believe not. His new ballet teacher has been waiting for him. And she has a special surprise.
On a purrrsonal note, this book reminds me of a memory from when my Adam was about Langston's age. The kids and I were at Cascade Park, a beautiful public green space in Bangor for a back to school event. Kids were being given free school supplies. Snacks and music created an air of festivity. And kids could compete for prizes. It was Adam and a bunch of horrified little girls for a hula hoop competition. When told that boys don't hula hoop Adam just said, We'll see about that. And he was a gracious winner, abstaining from any told you so declarations. (Jules)
I think I'll nap under the Christmas tree and remind my Jules that I'm their best present every year: the gift that keeps on snuggling. (Tobago)
A great big shout out goes out to Langston and Adam.
Tobago and Jules Hathaway
Sent from my U.S.Cellular© Smartphone
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