Michelle Meadows

This is another story of a strong female role model--a prima ballerina named Janet Collins. It is a story of never giving up and of working towards a dream.

It's a book told in rhyme which I feel make it quite easy for younger readers to enjoy. Because it is about ballet, I see it being a book that children gravitate to based on the cover. But what I love is how it is a story where you can have those harder conversations. I mean, it is sad but true that part of our history is racial segregation. I have never experienced it (and I hope and pray I never will), but many people have. These are people like Janet Collins--so skilled at what they do yet are not given a chance because of their skin.

Yet it only takes one person to change the cycle. We see it in this book. And we can see it today too. What if we are that one person?… (mer)

The story of Simone Biles, one the best gymnasts of our time, is told in a poetic picture book. It talks about her struggles, defeats, and attitude shift to keep trying until she succeeds. It also touches on her family life and ultimately winning an olympic gold medal. I enjoyed the illustrations and the rhyming kept the book flowing and would keep the attention of younger students. I thought it really kept the story quite shallow and you never got a true feeling for who Simone Biles really is. The best part of the book is when she "failed" and wanted to quit but ultimately came back stronger than before. I think this is a great lesson for young students. As it described her "comeback" it quickly jumped to her being the best in the world and winning gold in the olympics so it left me feeling like I possibly skipped a page or two but, alas, I did not. It was not my favorite, but a great introduction for young children.… (mer)