Dancing in the Wings by Debbie Allen; Illustrated by Kadir Nelson
	List Price:   $6.99 Unit Price:   $5.59 You Save:   $1.40 (20%) ISBN-10:   0142501417 ISBN-13:   9780142501412 Publisher:   Penguin Group (USA) Inc Category:   Picture Books, Sports, Health/Nutrition Pub. Date:   December 2003 Pages:   32 Format:   Paperback Ages:   4 to 8 Grades:   0 to 2
Awards
2003  Arkansas Diamond Primary Book Award (USA)  Nominee/Honoree  2004  Arizona Young Reader's Award (USA)  Nominee/Honoree
Subjects
CHILDREN'S FICTION BALLET_FICTION SELF-CONFIDENCE_FICTION PICTURE BOOKS
Description/Notes
Sassy is a long-legged girl who always has something to say. She wants to be a ballerina more than anything, but she worries that her too-large feet, too-long legs, and even her big mouth will keep her from her dream. When a famous director comes to visit her class, Sassy does her best to get his attention with her high jumps and bright leotard. Her first attempts are definitely not appreciated, but with Sassy's persistence, she just might be able to win him over. Dancing in the Wings is loosely based on actress/choreographer Debbie Allen's own experiences as a young dancer. Sassy wants to be a ballerina more than anything, but she worries that her too-large feet, too-long legs, and even her big mouth will keep her from her dream. When a famous director comes to visit her class, Sassy does her best to get his attention with her high jumps and bright leotard. Nelson's artwork conveys Sassy's spirit and captures well the expressions of her smug, mocking classmates. A great read-aloud. (School Library Journal)