He longs to twirl into a pirouette, whirl. Notable is Langston’s unwavering passion for ballet-and his mother’s just as steadfast support-in this richly affirmative picture book. A young Black boy dreams of dancing in this exuberant, buoyant picture book celebrating the beauty of dance, and the wonder of Black Boy Joyperfect for fans of Firebird and Crown Langston likes basketball okay, but what he loves is to danceever since he saw the Alvin Ailey Dance Company perform. Mallett’s lively, realistic illustrations, characterized by airbrushed strokes and dynamic dancers of varying skin tones, help further bring the story to life. ballet, basketball, dance Langston goes to see the Alvin Ailey Dance Company in New York City and knows he wants to be a dancer like that. and danced,” the final spreads read, showing the maturing protagonist continuing to dance over the years. Langley utilizes plentiful dialogue and repetition to draw readers in: “And Langston danced. Though a child on the way to Langston’s first dance class attempts to bring the burgeoning dancer down with a gendered sneer, Langston perseveres, in spreads showcasing an engrossing flipbook-like progression of his moves. Kaija will read her new book When Langston Dances (Denene Millner Books/Simon & Schuster, 2021) and will be available for questions. When, post-performance, Langston asks whether he, too, could dance like that, his mother offers an encouraging response: “You can do whatever you set your mind to doing.” Thus begins Langston’s journey toward balletic excellence in this firmly uplifting narrative. When Langston Dances By Kaija Langley Book E-Book. “Langston liked basketball, but he adored ballet.” A Black boy recognizes his love of ballet after his mother takes him to see the Alvin Ailey Dance Company. Kaija Langley (Author of When Langston Dances) Kaija Langley Goodreads Author Website Member Since November 2022 edit data Combine Editions Kaija Langley’s books Average rating: 4.45 280 ratings 83 reviews 3 distinct works Similar authors Note: these are all the books on Goodreads for this author. When Langston Dances by Kaija Langley - YouTube AboutPressCopyrightContact usCreatorsAdvertiseDevelopersTermsPrivacyPolicy & SafetyHow YouTube worksTest new featuresNFL Sunday Ticket © 2023.