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.
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.
“Catherine Johnson is the master of historical fiction for children; her prose is warm and wise and utterly gripping” Katherine Rundell
“If it doesn’t make you angry you haven’t read it properly” Fleur Hitchcock
Praise for Journey Back to Freedom;
“Olaudah Equiano’s story is one that everyone should read & know, and I can’t think of anyone better than [Catherine Johnson] to tell it” S.F Said
“Expertly researched and written, accessible and absolutely vital” Sophie Anderson
“Johnson’s lively, lightly fictionalised account of Equiano’s life makes gripping reading for 9+” The Guardian
“Meticulously researched, richly imagined and beautifully written... [Johnson’s] nuanced approach will lead to thought-provoking discussions, and her engaging style means the book will fly off the shelves” Open University, Top Texts for October
“A riveting, exciting read that’s perfect for #BlackHistoryMonth” Booktrust
Author
About Catherine Johnson
Catherine Johnson is a screen-writer and best-selling author of several books for children and young adults. Her acclaimed novel Sawbones won the Young Quills Award for Historical Fiction, and her most recent book The Curious Tale of the Lady Caraboo, was nominated for the CILIP Carnegie Medal and the YA Book Prize. Catherine has been a Writer in Residence at Holloway Prison, a Royal Literary Fund Writing Fellow at the London institute and has mentored writers in Africa for the British Council.
