We are celebrating dedication this month in The Dedicated Dancer celebrating Alicia Alonso! Alicia had a natural gift for dance. Her body naturally knew the steps to take to tell a compelling story. But when an eye condition threatened her life on stage not once, not twice, but three times and she was made to stay in bed for a year, Alicia didn’t stop dancing. During her confinement Alicia would dance in her mind’s eye and move her feet to keep them strong and ready for her return to the stage. She was dedicated to her dream! As we celebrate Alicia’s life, we wanted to share some of our favorite books about other dedicated ladies. Check out our book recommendations below: (This post contains affiliate links.)
Brave Ballerina: The Story of Janet Collins (Who Did It First?) by Michelle Meadows.
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.
The Astronaut With a Song for the Stars: The Story of Dr. Ellen Ochoa (Amazing Scientists) by Julia Finley Mosca
If you have a mission, a dream to explore, but no one like you has achieved it before...
Growing up in a family of immigrants, Ellen dreamed of becoming a professional flutist, but all of that changed when she discovered engineering in college. Though she was told that field of study wasn't for girls, the bright young scientist refused to give up-ultimately becoming a NASA astronaut who shattered barriers and rocketed to success!
Fighter in Velvet Gloves: Alaska Civil Rights Hero Elizabeth Peratrovich by Annie Boochever
In 1945, Elizabeth Peratrovich stood before the Alaska Territorial Legislative Session and gave a powerful speech about her childhood and her experiences being treated as a second-class citizen. Her heartfelt testimony led to the passing of the landmark Alaska Anti-Discrimination Act, America’s first civil rights legislation. Today, Alaska celebrates Elizabeth Peratrovich Day every February 16, and she will be honored on the gold one-dollar coin in 2020.
It Began with a Page: How Gyo Fujikawa Drew the Way by Kyo Maclear
Growing up in California, Gyo Fujikawa always knew that she wanted to be an artist. She was raised among strong women, including her mother and teachers, who encouraged her to fight for what she believed in. During World War II, Gyo’s family was forced to abandon everything and was taken to an internment camp in Arkansas.
Far away from home, Gyo worked as an illustrator in New York while her innocent family was imprisoned. Seeing the diversity around her and feeling pangs from her own childhood, Gyo became determined to show all types of children in the pages of her books. There had to be a world where they saw themselves represented.
What are some of your favorite books about dedicated women for kids? For adults? Sharing is caring and we’re always looking for something to read!