Dance of Resistance is the vividly engaging story of singer, dancer and spy Josephine Baker. Told through incredibly accessible narrative non-fiction, readers travel with Josephine from East St Louis USA to Philadelphia, New York, Paris and then across Europe and Northern Africa. Her colourful life, full of adventure and self-made opportunity, is completely inspiring while revealing so much about the discrimination and abuse faced by Black people in early 20th century USA.
Josephine’s early life revolved around expectation. She was expected to behave in a certain way, help earn money for her family and marry. In one horrible sitation after another, she learned to be tough. The one thing that brought her joy was the Booker T Washington Theatre where she was mesmerised by singers and dancers. She dreamed of a future on the stage.
With determination and courage, Josephine made her own success by being true to herself. Funny, charming and a fantastic dancer, she found work as a chorus line dancer, eventually working her way up to opportunities in Paris. There she realised what it meant to be respected and equal. The treatment of Black people in France was nothing like the racism in the US. Embracing the values of her new home – Liberty, Equality and Fraternity – Josephine created a life to be proud of.
As World War 2 began, she was approached by the counterintelligence service of the French government and recruited to work undercover. Using her connections in high society, she learned secrets and passed them on. Her bravery led her to also play a role in the US Civil Rights Movement fighting for the end of segregation and fairness for all Americans regardless of colour.
Dance of Resistance will open readers’ eyes to the injustices of the past and challenge them to consider how far society has come. An honest account of Josephine Baker’s full life of following her dreams and her passions for dance, performing, equality and respect, it will inspire readers to stand up for what they believe in and let nothing stand in their way.
Barrington Stoke can always be relied on to create entertaining, meaningful, empathy-filled stories that are accessible and empowering for readers. With dyslexia-friendly font, spacing and page tint, everyone can enjoy these books. The manageable length and carefully chosen vocabulary encourages success and brings children back for more.
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