Ready to Fly: How Sylvia Townsend Became the Bookmobile Ballerina

Townsend, a black child in 1950s California, dreams of being a ballerina. Her family can’t afford lessons, so she makes her way to the bookmobile, requests ballet books, and trains herself: “At home, I begin reading, building my own barre, learning the positions—first, second, third.” She begins teaching the neighborhood children what she learns. When her fourth grade teacher offers to pay for lessons, dance schools demur: “School three whispers, ‘It just can’t be,’ letting the real reason slip—ballet is for white girls.” But her own students won’t let her give up, and she finally finds a dance teacher who recognizes her talent. Townsend’s determined spirit shines through the engaging first-person narration, and Gibson’s cartoon illustrations capture endearing scenes, including an image of a little girl, wearing a tutu of twisted scarves, reading at a broom-and-chair barre. Information on bookmobiles, a note from Townsend, and an author’s note clarifying the setting and details of Townsend’s remarkable life conclude the volume. Ages 4–8. [em](Jan.) [/em]