On the Line: My Story of Becoming the First African American Rockette

by Jennifer Jones (Author) Robert Paul Jr (Illustrator)

On the Line: My Story of Becoming the First African American Rockette
Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

From the first Black Radio City Rockette dancer Jennifer Jones comes an inspiring picture book autobiography perfect for fans of trailblazers like Misty Copeland, Mae Jemison, and more.

Dancing has always made her feel free, like she can do anything. But when Jennifer was a child, some people didn't think that she had a future as a dancer because of the color of her skin. With the support of her family, especially her mother, she proved that anything is possible when you believe you belong.

With beautiful watercolor illustrations by artist Robert Paul Jr., On the Line is a captivating true story about manifesting your dreams.

Select format:
Hardcover
$19.99

Kirkus

   Exhilarating. 











Publishers Weekly

Effusive phrasing from Jones recounts her arc from childhood to becoming the first African American Rockette. Ascribing early shyness to a feeling of being different in her family’s New Jersey town, she describes a store clerk telling her that “girls like you don’t become dancers.” After that event, Jones’s parents install a piece of linoleum upon which she can practice at home, she discovers the magic of performing for a crowd, and a Broadway viewing of The Wiz confirms for her that “I can be Black and dance on a grand stage too.” After that, there is no stopping her as she strives to forge her own path, her mother’s encouraging voice offering assurance along the way. Paul’s movement-oriented illustrations show a young Jones working through the audition process, and appearing on the kickline, in this upbeat personal portrait that invites readers to consider, “What will your story be?” Ages 4–8. 
Classification
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9780063087064
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
HarperCollins
Publication date
October 31, 2023
Series
-
BISAC categories
JNF018010 - Juvenile Nonfiction | People & Places | United States - African-American
JNF053140 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Social Topics | Prejudice & Racism
JNF039020 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Performing Arts | Dance
Library of Congress categories
-

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