Debbie Allen (1) (1950–)

Debbie Allen, a well-known film producer, actress and choreographer, transforms The Twelve Dancing Princesses - the beloved German fairytale from the Brothers Grimm - into a tale of African-American family life in Brothers of the Knight.

Reverend Knight, a reserved pastor living with his twelve son in Harlem, is determined to find out why their shoes are worn to bits every morning, but it is only after the arrival of his new housekeeper, Sunday, that the mystery begins to unravel. The Twelve show more Dancing Princesses is currently one of my favorite fairy-tales, so I was delighted to discover this contemporary adaptation, which emphasizes the need for open communication between parents and children. Kadir Nelson's exuberant illustrations are a good match for the energy of Allen's characters. show less

Dancer and actress Debbie Allen, and artist Kadir Nelson - the author/illustrator team who produced Brothers of the Knight, an African-American reinterpretation of the old German fairy-tale of The Twelve Dancing Princesses - turn their attention here to the world of ballet, and the result is a picture-book with considerable charm. The story of Sassy, a talented and enthusiastic young dancer who often feels like the odd one out, because she is taller than the other dancers in her studio, show more Dancing In the Wings follows its heroine through some discouraging experiences - teasing at the hands of her fellow dancers, as well as her brother; worries about body image, and being different - to a very happy conclusion.

I enjoyed Allen's narrative, which offers a very positive message about accepting who we are, and taking strength from those things which set us apart, while also working well as a story. I thought the name-calling back and forth, between Sassy and her brother, and Sassy and her studio-mates - something I have seen criticized in other reviews - was fairly realistic, and nothing so extreme that it need impede any but the most sensitive of readers in their enjoyment of the book. Kadir Nelson's artwork is, as always, simply gorgeous: he makes such wonderful use of light, and his figures are always so expressive! All that said - and I did enjoy this! - I'm not sure that Dancing In the Wings was quite the stand-out to me, that it seems to have been for other readers.

Still, it's a solidly engaging book, one I would recommend to young ballerinas - particularly those who are self conscious about some aspect of their bodies - to anyone looking for depictions of African-American children in the ballet (something I've not seen that frequently), and to fans of Kadir Nelson. show less

I remember when this picture book first came out. I was still working at the bookstore at the time, and I fell in love with the story. It's about Sassy, a girl who lives and breathes dance, and wants to be a ballerina. The only problem is that she is so tall, with long legs and big feet. The other girls make fun of her, and she can never dance in the recitals, because she is taller than the boys and they can't lift her. Sassy perseveres, and when an audition arrives for a special ballet show more school in Washington, she gathers her confidence and tries out. And she is the only one chosen!

Whenever I read this, I get tears in my eyes, which is silly, because it is such an uplifting story. I very much can relate to a young girl feeling awkward and not pretty. When Sassy cries, I know how she feels. The way she rallies herself, and wears that outrageous bright yellow leotard to the auditions, is inspiring. Even though she has her bouts with self-consciousness, she is a tough girl, and puts her foes in their place with a few well-placed jibes. Sassy is brave in a way that I never was, and I cheered her on, all the way to Washington.

In addition to the sweet story, the illustrations are fabulous. Sassy is such a beauty, and the expressions on the characters' faces are amazing. You can read the happiness, the pride, the anger, the sadness, and the mockery in their looks. The details on the shops and houses is intricate, the colors are bright and inviting. I love the feel of this book as much as the story, and I think it is too often overlooked. This is an excellent picture book that is a worthy read for children and adults. show less

A young girl known as Sassy is always being given grief about her backtalk, her too big feet, and her height as the tallest in her class. But she desperately wants to audition for a special ballet workshop in Washington, DC and is determined to make a splash.

This is a lovely story that felt realistic in all its small details. (It is interesting to learn that the author says it is partly inspired by her own experiences.) It is on the longer side as far as picture books go, so it's definitely show more more for the older side of elementary school.

There are important lessons in here about hard work and determination. Sassy and her brother do fight a lot and some of the unkind things they say to each other may not make every parent/adult reading this aloud with their children happy. However, it is realistic to how siblings can be, and there are brief moments where the two characters are nicer to each other. There are also plenty of positive family members and role models in Sassy's life, which offsets the bickering between her and her brother.

Kadir Nelson's illustrations are always beautiful, and this book is no exception. He captures so much emotion and movement in every page. show less