Brave Ballerina

By Michelle Meadows, Ebony Glenn (Illustrator)

A dancer defies racial barriers to achieve her dreams without compromising her values.

4.3/5 Goodreads · 499 ratings

32 pages· 317 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

$17.99Save 6%

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Bookroo's summary

In the 1930s and 40s, Janet Collins dreams of becoming a ballerina despite the racial segregation of her time. Rejected by dance schools and pressured to change her identity, Janet stands firm, refusing to compromise her values. Her journey from childhood lessons to becoming the first African American principal dancer at the Metropolitan Opera is a testament to her courage and determination. Will Janet's passion and resilience overcome the barriers she faces? Discover the inspiring story of a trailblazer who danced her way into history.

From the publisher

A lyrical picture book biography of Janet Collins, the first African American principal dancer at the Metropolitan Opera House. Janet Collins wanted to be a ballerina in the 1930s and 40s, a time when racial segregation was widespread in the United States. Janet pursued dance with a passion, despite being rejected from discriminatory dance schools. When she was accepted into the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo as a teenager on the condition that she paint her skin white for performances, Janet refused. She continued to go after her dreams, never compromising her values along the way. From her early childhood lessons to the height of her success as the first African American prima ballerina in the Metropolitan Opera, Brave Ballerina is the story of a remarkable pioneer as told by Michelle Meadows, with fantastic illustrations from Ebony Glenn.

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