Breaking to the Beat!

By Linda J. Acevedo, Frank Morrison (Illustrator)

A shy boy finds courage in the rhythm of breaking dance in the vibrant Bronx.

3.6/5 Goodreads · 135 ratings

32 pages· 710 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

$19.95Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

In the 1970s Bronx, shy Manolo is captivated by the vibrant beats of salsa and street DJs. As breaking dance emerges, he faces his fears to join the rhythm-filled movement. Will Manolo find his place in this groundbreaking dance revolution? Discover the pulse of the Boogie Down Bronx and the birth of hip hop through his journey.

From the publisher

A boogie-down picture book about a shy boy named Manolo who overcomes his fears and insecurities to become part of a new innovative dance style called breaking.Step back, step back! Kid Flex ‘bout to bust a move. In the 1970s, many said the Bronx was just a pile of rubble, but for a shy kid like Manolo, it was alive with rhythm and music. He grew up with salsa dance parties at home and DJs battling on turntables on the street. Inspired by these new beats and the moves of James Brown, neighborhood boys and girls started dancing with a mix of twists, slides, and shuffles. The rhythm of the Toprock. Drop of the Six-step. Wiggle of the Worm. A new dance style called breaking was on the rise, and Manolo wanted to be a part of it. Debut author Linda J. Acevedo was inspired to write this story from the many b-boys and b-girls whose love of dance propelled them to create an innovative and groundbreaking new form of dance. Coupled with award-winning illustrator Frank Morrison’s sinuous and pulsating art, Breaking to the Beat! is an energizing ode to the Boogie Down Bronx and to Hip Hop–a movement that would forever change the course of music, art, and culture.

At a glance