What happens when a little boy who likes basketball learns that he loves ballet?

Langston, a little Black boy, is enchanted by an Alvin Ailey Dance Company performance he sees with his mother. After the performance, Langston asks, “Do you think I can dance like that?” She lovingly responds, “You can do whatever you set your mind to doing.” Langston envisions twirling and leaping, just like the dancers. However, Langston faces opposition when another boy sees him dancing and admonishes, “Boys don’t dance like that.” A bit jarred, he defends his passion and heads to his first dance class anyway. Langston is the only boy amid the pink-tutu–clad little girls. When his teacher, Ms. Marie, gives him a pair of black ballet shoes, he runs and leaps across the room in excitement. This is a tenderly told story about self-acceptance. The love and support that Langston receives from his mother serve to buoy his confidence, but it is his awareness of his passion that sustains him and pushes him to do what makes him happy: a lesson for every child. The illustrations are warm and dreamy. Langston, his mother, and the other children, depicted as racially diverse, look almost photorealistic. This book will pair equally well with Julián Is a Mermaid, by Jessica Love (2018), and I Am Every Good Thing, by Derrick Barnes and illustrated by Gordon C. James (2020). (This book was reviewed digitally.)

The absolute embodiment of Black boy joy, this is a beautiful and important book. (Picture book. 4-8)
(Kirkus Review)

The joy of dancing comes across with a sense of freeness and fun in this lovely illustrated read.

Langston likes basketball, but after he watches dancers perform on a stage, he discovers what he adores—dancing. He dances everywhere he goes, twirling, leaping and twisting. Despite some teasing, he's happy when his mother signs him up for classes at the dance studio. From one class to the next, he watches the various forms of dance until there's one he can't wait to jump in and join.

Ballet isn't often considered as the normal dance form for boys, but this book shows that it is...and that with wonderful finesse. Langston never, ever comes across as girly. The entire time through, he wears a basketball uniform. Even during a ballet class as he stands between the girls in their pink leotards, Langston smiles and does his positions while wearing the basketball uniform. This is clever in that it subtly steers listeners away from thoughts that Langston isn't a usual boy.

The illustrations are very true to life and show Langston as a normal kid with normal family and friends. He always radiates positivity and a love for what he does, no matter what those around him say. This already is inspiring. Even the support he gets from his mother and teacher keep everything bright.

The last scenes inspire and allow the full delight of Langston dancing to unfold and, through the illustrations, leave all possible negative thoughts far behind.

It's well done and a read that leaves a smile on the face (and dreams blooming in the heart). I received a complimentary copy and found this to be such a inspiring read. ( )

Probably best for older primary and intermediate students. Highlights healthy masculinity and self expression, specifically with young black men and boys. Talks about different forms of the art of dance.Supportive mother figure ( )