When Langston Dances

By Kaija Langley
Illustrated by Keith Mallett
2021

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Why I Chose This Book

Depicts a boy pursuing his dream to become a dancer.

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Own Voices

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Black Boy Joy

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Dance

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Ballet

About This Book

A young Black boy dreams of dancing in this exuberant, buoyant picture book celebrating the beauty of dance, and the wonder of Black Boy Joy—perfect for fans of Firebird and Crown!

Langston likes basketball okay, but what he loves is to dance—ever since he saw the Alvin Ailey Dance Company perform. He longs to twirl into a pirouette, whirl into a piqué. He wants to arabesque and attitude, grand battement and grand jeté. When he walks, the whole street is his stage.

With his neighborhood cheering him on, will Langston achieve his dream?

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