Book Descriptions
for My Story, My Dance by Lesa Cline-Ransome and James Ransome
From Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
As a child, Robert Battle wore heavy metal braces on his legs to straighten and strengthen them. Once they were finally removed, he felt lighter than air, and he began to dance. The great uncle who helped raise him always told him to pursue his dream of becoming a ballet dancer, even if it meant he had to also study karate to learn to defend himself from the kids who teased him about it. Robert’s goal was to be the first “black Baryshnikov,” and although he got a late start, he was recognized as a gifted student at the progressively more challenging schools he attended. A full scholarship to Julliard led him to a career as a professional dancer, culminating in his current position as the artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Lesa Cline-Ransome has consulted several primary sources, including interviews with Robert Battle himself, in order to recount his fascinating journey, and James Ransome’s pastel illustrations communicate the energy and grace of ballet dancing. (Ages 7–10)
CCBC Choices 2016. © Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin - Madison, 2016. Used with permission.
From the Publisher
“In James E. Ransome’s realistic pastel portraits, Battle, his family, and his teachers all seem lit from within.” —The New York Times Book Review
A boy discovers his passion for dance and becomes a modern hero in this inspiring picture book biography of Robert Battle, artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
When Robert Battle was a boy wearing leg braces, he never dreamed he’d study at Juilliard. Though most dancers begin training at an early age, it wasn’t until Robert was a teenager that his appreciation for movement—first from martial arts, then for ballet—became his passion. But support from his family and teachers paired with his desire and determination made it possible for Robert to excel. After years of hard work, the young man who was so inspired by a performance of Alvin Ailey’s Revelations became the artistic director of the very company that motivated him. Today, under Robert’s leadership, Alvin Ailey continues to represent the African American spirit through dance.
Featuring illustrations brimming with vibrant color and swirling motion, this biographical picture book from husband-and-wife team James Ransome and Lisa Cline-Ransome includes a foreword from Robert Battle himself as well as a bibliography, suggested further reading, and an author’s note.
A boy discovers his passion for dance and becomes a modern hero in this inspiring picture book biography of Robert Battle, artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
When Robert Battle was a boy wearing leg braces, he never dreamed he’d study at Juilliard. Though most dancers begin training at an early age, it wasn’t until Robert was a teenager that his appreciation for movement—first from martial arts, then for ballet—became his passion. But support from his family and teachers paired with his desire and determination made it possible for Robert to excel. After years of hard work, the young man who was so inspired by a performance of Alvin Ailey’s Revelations became the artistic director of the very company that motivated him. Today, under Robert’s leadership, Alvin Ailey continues to represent the African American spirit through dance.
Featuring illustrations brimming with vibrant color and swirling motion, this biographical picture book from husband-and-wife team James Ransome and Lisa Cline-Ransome includes a foreword from Robert Battle himself as well as a bibliography, suggested further reading, and an author’s note.
Publisher description retrieved from Google Books.
