"This inspirational life story of a remarkable woman whose achievements should be known far and wide should itself be read far and wide."
Interest Age 9+ Reading Age 8
Delivered in a stirring first-person voice, Catherine Johnson's Dance of Resistance does dazzling justice to its subject — a truly remarkable woman whose talents, determination and sense of justice saw her shift from growing up on the poor side of the tracks in East St. Louis to become one of the world’s wealthiest entertainers, and make waves as a civil rights activist and French resistance fighter during WWII.
“Some people say I changed the world. I like that. I reckon this world needs a heap of changes”. So begins Dance of Resistance, setting the tone for a pithy, passion-infused book that places Baker’s extraordinary life in the context of growing up poor in segregation-era America. Though her childhood was characterised by abuse and poverty, Josephine’s love of performing came at an early age, as did finding the courage to leave a succession of abusive employers to work in theatre. Never shirking from taking risks and making opportunities, Baker worked her way up to join travelling troupes in Philly and New York, while constantly navigating the rampant racist prejudice of her homeland: “There wasn’t just prejudice out on the streets. On stage, dancers were more likely to be hired the lighter skinned they were”.
In contrast, Baker enjoys far greater freedom performing for the Folie Bergère in France. Here, while earning “big, big money” and headlining her own shows to become the most famous woman in Paris, “There were no restrictions, no signs saying ‘Whites only’, no signs saying ‘Blacks not allowed’”. Then comes WWII, which sees Baker work undercover for the French government after becoming a French citizen.
Throughout, Johnson integrates shifting global socio-political landscapes brilliantly, with a clarity readers of 9+ will relate to. Indeed, Dance of Resistance is wonderfully accessible and infectiously inspirational as it evokes Josephine’s joie de vivre, determination and courage.
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Catherine Johnson celebrates the incredible life of Josephine Baker in this true story, chronicling her journey from an impoverished childhood to beloved actress, dancer and wartime heroine.
Dancer, singer, actress, movie star, civil-rights activist - Josephine Baker was a phenomenon!
Overcoming the poverty and abuse of her childhood, Josephine grew up to become one of the biggest stars of the early twentieth century, particularly adored in her adopted country of France. She used her connections to help the Resistance in their fight against the Nazis during the Second World War and later became involved with Martin Luther King and the civil-rights movements in the US.
Controversial and outspoken, she is an iconic historical figure and Catherine Johnson brings her story vividly to life for a young audience in this enthralling piece of narrative non-fiction.
Retells a truly astounding life story in an accessible format, giving young readers insight into a hugely influential figure and the prejudice and challenges she faced.
Particularly suitable for readers aged 9+ with a reading age of 8.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Dance of Resistance and determined it is suitable for children aged 9-12 years old
Dance of Resistance features in the following genres: Featured Books for 9+ readers, Featured Books for 11+ readers, Books of the Month, Recommendations, Star Books, True Stories, Drama / Performing Arts, History, People / Places, PSHE: Multiculturalism, Diversity and Inclusion, Personal Social Health Economic (PSHE), Dyslexia Friendly Books for Interest age 9+, Dyslexia Friendly Books for Interest age 11+, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: Racism and anti-racism, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Children’s / Teenage: General interest
Dance of Resistance is available in Paperback
Dance of Resistance was written by Catherine Johnson and published by Barrington Stoke an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers
Dance of Resistance has 122 pages
£7.19
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