Brave Ballerina the Story of Janet Collins Book Review

• Domicile
• My Books

Open up Preview

See a Problem?

We'd love your assist. Let us know what's wrong with this preview of Brave Ballerina by Michelle Meadows.

Thanks for telling united states well-nigh the problem.

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends idea of this volume, delight sign up.

Community Reviews

 · 432 ratings  · 95 reviews

Starting time your review of Brave Ballerina: The Story of Janet Collins

Feb xix, 2019 Calista rated information technology actually liked information technology

Another brave new soul I'm able to larn about through a children's book. This is a beginning book told in rhyme with lovely soft illustrations.

Janet Collins was a Prima Ballerina in 1951 when it was difficult for people of color to attend classes for learning her art. She persevered and found teachers who could see her innate talent. One school told her she could report in that location if she were willing to pigment her skin white. Wow, that is incredible how warped that is. This was 1 dauntless soul. She is

Another brave new soul I'grand able to learn almost through a children'south book. This is a beginning book told in rhyme with lovely soft illustrations.

Janet Collins was a Prima Ballerina in 1951 when information technology was difficult for people of color to attend classes for learning her art. She persevered and found teachers who could see her innate talent. Ane school told her she could study at that place if she were willing to paint her skin white. Wow, that is incredible how warped that is. This was one brave soul. She is an inspiration.

My niece loves dancing and she was very interested in this book. She gave information technology 4 stars. I would beloved to see her take dancing, only she doesn't like giving upwardly her free time. I didn't even read this to the nephew.

...more

Mar 26, 2019 Kathryn rated it really liked it

Lyrically told story with lovely illustrations about inspirational and talented ballerina, Janet Collins, first African American primary dancer at the Metropolitan Opera House. I enjoyed reading it and I appreciated learning more than about Collins, though I did feel the text was likewise sparse on some important details that simply the Author's Note filled in (this appears to be an unfortunate trend in pic book biographies these days, or maybe it's just the ones I've been reading lately). Adults read Lyrically told story with lovely illustrations near inspirational and talented ballerina, Janet Collins, first African American principal dancer at the Metropolitan Opera Business firm. I enjoyed reading it and I appreciated learning more about Collins, though I did feel the text was too sparse on some important details that but the Author's Note filled in (this appears to exist an unfortunate trend in movie book biographies these days, or mayhap it'due south merely the ones I've been reading lately). Adults reading this should start with the biographical information in the dorsum, then read the story, IMO. And they volition probably need to fill in a few details to the younger readers who may not similar to sit down through the whole bio in the back. ...more

Beautiful Janet Collins but wanted to dance. She wore the correct costumes, performed the correct pirouettes, and tied her ballet shoes equally she should. She danced to her heart's delight, fifty-fifty when others told her she shouldn't because of her race.

Simply, despite it all, through her hard work, in 1951, she became a prima ballerina.

This story'due south splendid illustrations and wistful rhymes live to tell her story to children, dancer and non-dancer akin, about what dreams are fabricated of and how one tin see thursday

Beautiful Janet Collins just wanted to dance. She wore the right costumes, performed the right pirouettes, and tied her ballet shoes as she should. She danced to her middle'due south delight, even when others told her she shouldn't considering of her race.

Merely, despite information technology all, through her difficult piece of work, in 1951, she became a prima ballerina.

This story'south splendid illustrations and wistful rhymes live to tell her story to children, dancer and non-dancer alike, about what dreams are fabricated of and how i can come across them come truthful.

A wonderful addition to school and personal libraries, I give this book a 5/5.

...more

January 31, 2019 Sarah Due north rated it it was amazing

Everything almost this book is beautiful, from the lyrical text to the soft, rounded illustrations to Janet Collins herself.

Jan 31, 2019 KC rated it really liked it

Janet Collins loves ballet only where is her identify every bit a black dancer in 1950?

Feb 17, 2019 Baby Bookworm rated it it was amazing

This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!

Hi, friends! Our book today is Brave Ballerina: The Story Of Janet Collins, written by Michelle Meadows and illustrated by Ebony Glenn, the true story of the remarkable dancer who became the Metropolitan Opera'south start black prima ballerina in 1951.

Born in 1917 in New Orleans, Janet Collins found a passion for dance at an early age. Her tradesmen parents paid for her ballet lessons by making

This review was originally written for The Babe Bookworm. Visit u.s. for new picture books reviews daily!

Hello, friends! Our book today is Dauntless Ballerina: The Story Of Janet Collins, written by Michelle Meadows and illustrated past Ebony Glenn, the true story of the remarkable dancer who became the Metropolitan Opera'southward kickoff blackness prima ballerina in 1951.

Born in 1917 in New Orleans, Janet Collins found a passion for dance at an early on historic period. Her tradesmen parents paid for her ballet lessons past making costumes for recitals, and Janet worked difficult to improve her craft each day. Yet despite her obvious talent, each ballet academy turned her away at the door, refusing to take a black student. Continuing to train, mastering new styles and learning from any teacher who would teach her, Janet was finally accepted to a ballet company – only to be told that she would need to paint her skin white to friction match the other dancers. Janet refused, continuing to piece of work and train and perform where she could until finally, a company saw her skill and talent. Earning her identify as prima ballerina at the Met in 1951, Janet Collins was able to step out on stage every bit herself and practise what she was born to – dance.

Powerful. I admit to never having heard Collins' story before, and information technology's a testament to Meadows'southward rhyming text and Glenn's artwork that, by the fourth dimension the story was through, the reader feels as though they accept joined Collins in her journeying. The passion for trip the light fantastic toe bursts from her face and form in each analogy of her in movement; the frustration and shame of the prejudice leveled against her is palpable; the glorious final spread of her effulgent onstage before a cheering audience is triumphant. The text is succinct enough to keep the story moving at a brisk pace, yet never glosses over or rushes – each trounce feels important and necessary. A beautiful story of perseverance, determination, and pride, and we loved it. Infant Bookworm approved.

(Annotation: A re-create of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm past the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

Be sure to check out The Babe Bookworm for more reviews!

...more

Jan xiii, 2019 Akoss rated it liked it

We enjoyed learning most how zilch, non even atrocious racial segregation could stop Janet Collins from doing what she loved most: DANCING.
This is such an important book for all the little girls and boys out there dreaming large most dancing and performing on stages one day.
As an adult, I discover that the writing fashion doesn't work for me, just my girl didn't seem to heed, so nosotros enjoyed reading the book as a family. We enjoyed learning about how nothing, not even awful racial segregation could stop Janet Collins from doing what she loved most: DANCING.
This is such an important book for all the niggling girls and boys out there dreaming big virtually dancing and performing on stages 1 24-hour interval.
Equally an developed, I detect that the writing style doesn't work for me, but my daughter didn't seem to mind, so nosotros enjoyed reading the book equally a family. ...more

Nov 07, 2018 Ksandra rated it it was amazing

I read an ARC of this. The artwork is beautiful and the lyrical writing is phenomenal! All around its a fantastic story for kids and adults alike.

I'thousand a sucker for anything ballet related. Like the simplicity of the rhyming text and the chance to learn most a ballerina who worked difficult to make her dreams come true. From advance reader re-create.

Jan thirty, 2019 Jillian Heise rated information technology it was amazing

A lovely, poetic tribute to the perseverance & talent of one of the starting time Black prima ballerinas. Beautifully illustrated.

May 19, 2019 Alex Baugh rated it really liked information technology

Even before Raven Wilkinson, Misty Copeland, and other dancers of color, in that location was Janet Collins. Janet'southward story unfold in rhyming verse first with her childhood in New Orleans, where her mother fabricated costumes to pay for her ballet lessons. Supported past her family, Janet became function of a popular trio of daredevil dancers billed as 3 Shades of Brown. Afterwards, while still in her teens, Janet would audition for the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, where her dancing skills were welcome but only if s Even earlier Raven Wilkinson, Misty Copeland, and other dancers of color, at that place was Janet Collins. Janet'due south story unfold in rhyming verse beginning with her childhood in New Orleans, where her mother made costumes to pay for her ballet lessons. Supported past her family, Janet became part of a popular trio of daredevil dancers billed as 3 Shades of Chocolate-brown. Later, while however in her teens, Janet would audience for the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, where her dancing skills were welcome but only if she would concord to lighten her skin. Not willing to practise that, Janet somewhen found a ballet class that welcomed her for who she was. With hard work and dedication, Janet became the first African American prima ballerina in 1951, dancing for the Metropolitan Opera. The rhyme, which echoes "The House that Jack Congenital" never loses information technology rhythm, seems to pare Janet Collins'south accomplishments downwards a petty too simply, merely there is a detailed Author's Note that fills in the blanks. The soft, spare illustrations, created with Adobe Photoshop, also add to this biography, capturing the gentle ballet trip the light fantastic toe movements of this remarkable dancer and inspiring trailblazer. Back matter too includes resources for further exploration, and iii websites relating to Janet Collins in item and ballet in full general. ...more

Feb 12, 2019 Tasha rated it actually liked it

This biographical picture book shares the story of Janet Collins, the first African-American principal dancer at the Metropolitan Opera House. Growing upwards in the 1930s, Collins ran into segregation and racism as she followed her dream to exist a dancer. Though she was excluded from some dance schools and as well asked to lighten her skin, she plant her way to a school that accepted her thanks to her immense piece of work ethic and talent. Collins became a master dancer in 1951 subsequently existence noticed by the ball This biographical picture book shares the story of Janet Collins, the first African-American principal dancer at the Metropolitan Opera Business firm. Growing up in the 1930s, Collins ran into segregation and racism as she followed her dream to exist a dancer. Though she was excluded from some dance schools and also asked to lighten her skin, she found her fashion to a school that accustomed her thanks to her immense work ethic and talent. Collins became a primary dancer in 1951 after being noticed by the ballet primary from the Met when he saw her perform.

Meadows has written a picture book biography that reads like a story book. She uses a repetitive structure that echoes that of folklore tales to make the book very readable and approachable for young children. Each new stanza in the book starts with "This is…" and shows a betoken in Collins' life. Within each stanza at that place are also rhyming couplets that add to the spirit of the book. The structure works to make a book that shares aloud well and invites readers fully into this historical tale.

The illustrations by Glenn are digitally rendered. They range from dramatic images of Collins on stage or streetcars at night to more than ethereal images of dancers and times with her family. The illustrations place the story firmly in mid-century America.

A well-written nonfiction picture book that tells the story of 1 remarkable artist. Appropriate for ages 3-vi.

...more than

I just don't dearest rhyming picture book biographies. A rhyming picture volume is already a hard thing to practise well...for every great one there are a dozen or more that are cringeworthy...and then when you are talking about a existent person's life that is a hard thing to put in rhyme. This one actually does better than most...at that place is some good information here and the pictures are actually great. I could meet this being a good jumping off point for a discussion, specially with a very immature child like 3 I just don't honey rhyming picture book biographies. A rhyming moving picture book is already a hard thing to do well...for every great one there are a dozen or more than that are cringeworthy...and and so when yous are talking about a real person's life that is a hard affair to put in rhyme. This one actually does better than most...in that location is some good information here and the pictures are actually great. I could run into this being a good jumping off bespeak for a discussion, peculiarly with a very young child like 3 or 4, especially if due south/he loved ballet. But I wonder how much improve this could have been if it didn't take to stick to a very simplistic rhyme scheme. My own child got bored. ...more than

Jun xiii, 2019 Erin rated it it was astonishing

A lyrical picture book biography of Janet Collins, the first African American principal dancer at the Metropolitan Opera House. An inspiring story filled with stunning illustrations that draw the reading into the story. Follow Janet's story from a young girl who wasn't immune to attend dance schoolhouse simply considering of race. However, she was able to overcome this heartache and become a prima ballerina. A lyrical flick book biography of Janet Collins, the first African American main dancer at the Metropolitan Opera Business firm. An inspiring story filled with stunning illustrations that describe the reading into the story. Follow Janet's story from a young girl who wasn't allowed to nourish trip the light fantastic toe school merely considering of race. Yet, she was able to overcome this heartache and become a prima ballerina. ...more

This fantastic book uses rhythmic, rhyming text to describe the babyhood and early adulthood of prima ballerina Janet Collins. Turned away again and again by trip the light fantastic schools that would not accept African American students, Collins never gave up and eventually made it to the large phase as a prima ballerina in 1951. This is a great picture book biography to add to your collection. Pair with A Trip the light fantastic toe LIKE STARLIGHT for another bio of Janet Collins or FIREBIRD by Misty Copeland.

Jun 27, 2019 Morgan rated it it was amazing

Piece of cake to read as a story time, love the pictures and prose.

Mar 12, 2020 Jessica rated it liked it

Elementary and well written, merely I would have preferred more information on her.

Mar 05, 2019 Lisa rated information technology information technology was amazing

Beautiful illustrations, cute story, beautifully written. My five-year-one-time and I both enjoyed it. I specially appreciated that the racism and bigotry faced by Janet Collins was addressed head on in a way that's very age advisable for three- to 6-year-olds. The poetic text leaves lots of room for conversation.

Mar 05, 2019 Abby rated it really liked it

Lyrical yet simple text suitable for preschoolers and emerging readers, lovely illustrations, thoughtfully included sources and back matter

Feb 08, 2019 Villain E rated information technology actually liked it

This should have been a 5 star. Good subject matter, beautiful artwork. But the person's proper name never appears in the story!!! No names exercise! Her proper name is on the cover. Her name is in the Writer's Note page in the back that you lot go far all biographical children's books. Just the master story is: "This is the girl who danced in the breeze." "This is the teacher who stood by her side?" How do y'all write a biography without names? This should have been a five star. Skillful subject thing, beautiful artwork. But the person'due south name never appears in the story!!! No names do! Her name is on the cover. Her name is in the Writer's Note folio in the back that you go far all biographical children'southward books. But the main story is: "This is the girl who danced in the breeze." "This is the instructor who stood by her side?" How do you write a biography without names? ...more

Feb 08, 2019 Kelly rated information technology really liked information technology

Lovely, lovely story of a dancer (who, quite honestly, I'd never heard of) who persisted until race barriers were broken down. Lovely, lovely story of a dancer (who, quite honestly, I'd never heard of) who persisted until race barriers were broken downwards. ...more

Jan thirty, 2019 Tessa rated it really liked it

The writing is just okay, merely the story and illustrations are wonderful. I'grand going to expect for more than of Ebony Glenn's illustrations. The writing is just okay, but the story and illustrations are wonderful. I'k going to look for more of Ebony Glenn's illustrations. ...more

Oh wow, Ebony Glenn's illustrations are gorgeous here, and the way her vignettes show Collins crumbling and perfecting her skills is simply *chef's buss*

The poem had some issues with meter that are bothering me.

Oh wow, Ebony Glenn'due south illustrations are gorgeous here, and the fashion her vignettes prove Collins crumbling and perfecting her skills is only *chef's osculation*

The poem had some issues with meter that are bothering me.

...more than

An excellently drawn and written book. Very accessible for younger kids.

Jan 16, 2019 Linda rated it actually liked information technology

Janet Collins loved to dance, was rejected more than once considering of the color of her skin, but she e'er pursued a path and succeeded every time. Told in poetry, with an writer's note, source notes, and an additional websites list. The illustrator shows the passage of years, the ups and downs with interesting and beautiful choices of setting that include the characters' supporters, naysayers and experiences. Janet Collins loved to trip the light fantastic, was rejected more than one time because of the colour of her peel, but she always pursued a path and succeeded every fourth dimension. Told in verse, with an author's note, source notes, and an additional websites list. The illustrator shows the passage of years, the ups and downs with interesting and beautiful choices of setting that include the characters' supporters, naysayers and experiences. ...more

Jan 15, 2019 Gayle rated it it was amazing

A beautifully illustrated story of Janet Collins kickoff blackness prima ballerina. Wonderful story.

Jan 13, 2019 Danielle rated it it was amazing

Lovely minimalist text that conveys then much. Illustrations that pair perfectly, enhancing the story, and also capture a dancers movements.

Aug 10, 2020 Ben Truong rated it actually liked it

Brave Ballerina: The Story of Janet Collins is a biographical children'due south moving picture volume written by Michelle Meadows and illustrated by Ebony Glenn. This ode to dancer Janet Collins showcases her various talents too as her achievements.

Janet Collins was an African American ballet dancer, choreographer, and instructor. She performed on Broadway, in films, and appeared often on television receiver. She was among the pioneers of black ballet dancing, one of the few classically trained Black dancers of he

Brave Ballerina: The Story of Janet Collins is a biographical children's movie book written past Michelle Meadows and illustrated by Ebony Glenn. This ode to dancer Janet Collins showcases her diverse talents as well as her achievements.

Janet Collins was an African American ballet dancer, choreographer, and teacher. She performed on Broadway, in films, and appeared ofttimes on tv. She was among the pioneers of black ballet dancing, one of the few classically trained Black dancers of her generation.

Meadows' text is rather simplistic, straightforward, informative, and lyrical. Writing in gentle poesy, Meadows introduces Janet Collins, a New Orleans-born ballerina who pursued dance in the 1930s and '40s. Backmatter includes an author's note, sources, and websites. Glenn's illustrations in warm nonetheless muted digital art with dynamic spreads.

The premise of the book is rather straightforward. With her family's support, Collins perseveres despite being told to lighten her dark skin. Information technology tells the ups and downs of Janet Collins' dancing life, from her precocious youth through her arrival as the starting time African-American prima ballerina at the Metropolitan Opera in 1951.

All in all, Brave Ballerina: The Story of Janet Collins is a celebration of one black woman's achievements that underscores the passion and purpose that the human spirit has to offer.

...more

May 04, 2019 Barbara rated information technology really liked it

Softly-hued illustrations created with Adobe Photoshop accompany the important and inspiring story of Janet Collins. the beginning African American prima ballerina in the Metropolitan Opera Business firm. The poetic text using repetitive text ["This is the..."] throughout the narrative highlights her accomplishments, made even more impressive when one considers the times in which she grew upwards and the naysayers and racist comments and attitude with which she contended. The images and text hint at what she had Softly-hued illustrations created with Adobe Photoshop accompany the of import and inspiring story of Janet Collins. the starting time African American prima ballerina in the Metropolitan Opera Business firm. The poetic text using repetitive text ["This is the..."] throughout the narrative highlights her accomplishments, made fifty-fifty more impressive when one considers the times in which she grew up and the naysayers and racist comments and attitude with which she contended. The images and text hint at what she had to suffer to achieve her goal and portray the hard work that goes into becoming an accomplished dancer. To think of all this leading to her becoming a prima ballerina in 1951 makes readers stop for a moment and consider the time period merely besides the determination of this amazing adult female. An Author's Note provides useful back matter that adds to readers' understanding of the story being told here. Future ballerinas may feel reassured later reading about Janet Collins. This, of course, would be an excellent improver to a collection devoted to ceremonious rights, basis-breakers or strong women. I felt every bit though I were dancing alongside Janet who was fortunate to accept a family along the style. ...more

Other books in the series

Manufactures featuring this book

Dhonielle Clayton is a YA author, a 2018 Goodreads Choice Award nominee, and the principal operating officer of We Need Diverse Books, a...

Welcome back. Merely a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads business relationship.

smithmardst1990.blogspot.com

Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39280481-brave-ballerina

Share this post