Josephine, The Dazzling Life Of Josephine Baker

By: Patricia Hruby Powell

Summary:

Music called to Josephine Baker, and when it did, all she could do was dance. When she heard that there was an all-black show on Broadway, she left her husband and went to New York. But her success didn't change attitudes toward segregation. Then she went to Paris, where people said "black is beautiful." There, she became the star she had dreamed of as a girl.

Reader Enjoyment Factors:

Beautiful verse and bright colors draw readers into a lyrical biography for readers of all ages.

Content Awareness Factors:

None.

Parent Reaction

I have read this book three times already. By telling Josephine's story in verse, reader is drawn into a rhythm befitting of the music of her era (1920s, 1930s). The author does a wonderful job weaving in the social and cultural contexts of the time. There are nuggets that most of us didn't know or wouldn't have considered (international adoption), and they create openings for interesting conversation.

Type of Book:
This is a biography of Josephine Baker told in verse.

Educational Themes:

This is so much more than a biography. It is an opportunity to explore US history in the 1920s and 1930s, spying in World War II, and (best of all) pulling out the music of the era.

Reading Level:
4.6

Recommended Age To Read By Yourself:
10 and Up

Recommended Age To Read Together:
7 and Up

Purchase Recommendation:
Borrow, at least. This is a very enjoyable, fun read.

Title	Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker
Author	Patricia Hruby Powell
Publisher	Chronicle Books © 2014
Illustrators	Christian Robinson
ISBN	9781452103143
Material	Hard Cover
Cost	$17.99
Genres	Poetry, Biography, History, Performing Arts, 1920s & 1930s