Penelope Bailey Takes the Stage
Marshall Cavendish, 2006

Penelope Bailey wants to be an actress, but it is 1889, and acting is not an acceptable profession for a proper young lady. In this historical novel for kids ages 9 and up, Penelope is left with her strait-laced aunt in San Francisco, who does everything in her power to thwart the girl's ambitions. When Penelope is befriended by a mysterious young woman -- a character based on the famous dancer Isadora Duncan -- readers find out just how far she is willing to go to follow her dream.

Honors

• American Library Association Teens Top Ten nominee
• Scripps Howard News Service Best Books of 2006
• Flamingnet.com Top Choice Award

Penelope Bailey Takes the Stage is available anywhere books are sold; you can also order online at Booksense or Amazon.com. Or purchase directly from Marshall Cavendish Children's Books.

José! Born to Dance: The Story of José Limón
Illustrated by Raúl Colón
Paula Wiseman Books/Simon & Schuster, 2005

This picture book biography for kids ages 5-8 was eight years in the making and features spectacular art by the award-winning illustrator Raúl Colón, and a lyrical, poetic text. Here's what the reviewers are saying:

Kirkus Reviews, July 1, 2005, Starred Review 
"This first introduction for children to renowned dancer and choreographer José Limón pairs equally soaring text and visuals. Born 'kicking like a roped steer,' young Limon moved with his family from Mexico to California during the Mexican Revolution, made his way to New York during the '20s, and after searching for an artistic vocation, found his life's work in the modern art dance of Doris Humphrey and Charles Weidman, creating 'dances sweet as birdsong-- TRILLIA-WEET!/ Hot as the desert sun-- Si! Si / Sad as broken dreams-- O, sonador.' Focusing mainly on Limon's childhood, Colon takes him from cradle to curtain call in a series of portraits that captures his strength and grace perfectly. Reich's narrative neatly draws together both his search for a medium of artistic expression that was right for him (he was talented in music and visual arts, too), and the influence of early incidents, sights and even sounds on his mature style. She closes with a triple 'BRAVO!' that readers will certainly echo, plus an extended biographical note and a select list of resources in several media. An inspiring tribute to a major figure in the arts, featuring some of Colon's most moving, powerful work yet."

ALA Booklist, August 2005, Starred Review 
"This picture-book biography tells the story of young Jose Limon, who became a legendary figure [in] the history of American dance. Reich punctuates the scenes of Jose's childhood in Mexico with sensory details, especially sounds: the 'TRILLIA-WEET! TRILLIA-WEET!' of his grandmother's canary singing, the clicking heels of flamenco dancers, the cries of "Ole! Ole! Ole!' at the bullfight, and his Mama's bedtime lullaby; 'SORA-SORA-SO, SORA-SO.' Later, Reich shows how the rhythmic sounds from Limon's childhood became inspirations for movements expressed in his dance. When civil war in Mexico leads to fighting in the streets of their town, Jose's family flees to the U. S. In elementary school, laughter at his poor English fires his determination to succeed. As an adult, he moves to New York City, discovers his passion for dance, and works hard to become a dancer and choreographer. Sensitively written and beautifully illustrated, this picture book offers a soaring portrayal of achievement, Colon's distinctive watercolor and colored pencil artwork includes many strong compositions that are fundamentally narrative, yet emotionally resonant and often memorable. An expressive, stately tribute."

Awards and Honors

• Tomás Rivera Mexican American Children's Book Award
• International Latino Book Award
• Booklist Top Ten Arts Books for Youth
• New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing
• Bank Street College of Education Best Books of the Year

José! Born to Dance: The Story of José Limón is available anywhere books are sold; you can also order online at Booksense or Amazon.com. Or purchase directly from Simon & Schuster.

Clara Schumann: Piano Virtuoso
Clarion Books

This award-winning biography of the 19th century musician and composer, for readers ages 8 and up, is now available in both hardcover and paperback.

Awards and Honors

• National Council of Teachers of English Orbis Pictus Honor Book
  
• ALA Notable
  
• ALA Best Book for Young Adults
  
• School Library Journal Best Books of the Year
  
• New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing
  
• New York Public Library Best Books for the Teen Age
  
• Bank Street College Best Children's Books of the Year
  
• CCBC Choices
  
• VOYA Nonfiction Honor List
  
• Washington Irving Children's Choice Honor Book
  
• CBC/NCSST Notable Social Studies Trade Book

Clara Schumann: Piano Virtuoso is available anywhere books are sold; you can also order online at Booksense or Amazon.com.