From Publishers Weekly
In their first children's book collaboration, this markedly talented husband-and-wife team offers a warm profile of dancer and choreographer Alvin Ailey (1931-1989), whose dance company lives on today. The author deftly combines elements of fiction and biography, intertwining Ailey's alleged thoughts and conversations with facts about his childhood, his introduction to the world of dance in Los Angeles during the mid-1940s and his founding of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York City in 1958. This effective amalgam of genres easily draws the reader into Ailey's life, lending it appeal for those previously unacquainted with the legendary artist as well as for young fans eager to learn how Ailey launched his impressive career. Matching the finesse of the writing are Brian Pinkney's signature scratchboard renderings handpainted with oil pastels, which manage to convey stateliness as well as quickness, and which culminate in a vivid, motion-filled spread featuring dancers in Ailey's company reeling across the stage--and seemingly right off the pages. Ages 5-9. Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 3-An accessible picture-book biography that recounts Ailey's boyhood in Texas and his roots in the black church, moves with him and his mother to Los Angeles where he begins to dance, and then proceeds on to New York where he hones his talents and forms his own troupe. Brian Pinkney's marvelously detailed scratchboard drawings are tinted with pastels to show the sweep and flow of dancers caught in the act of leaping, twirling, and soaring through the air. His figures are large and bold, reflecting the spiritual and creative energy of Ailey himself and the performance artists who brought his choreography to life. As such, the book is both informative and inspiring and will make an excellent addition to most collections.Carol Jones Collins, Montclair Kimberley Academy, NJCopyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Ages 5-9. This handsome picture-book biography pays tribute to modern dancer Alvin Ailey, who's best known for interpreting African American culture through his dancing and choreography. The Pinkneys tie Ailey's rural Texas roots, especially the gospel music in his boyhood church, to the development of his individual style as a student in Los Angeles and the flowering of his gifts through his dance company in New York City. Their lightly fictionalized text shows that Ailey rose to prominence not just through talent, but through inspiration, support, and determination. Moving with the rhythm of repeated lines and strong compositions, the scratchboard and oil pastel illustrations create a vivid sense of dance and capture Ailey's vibrancy and {‚}elan. Carolyn Phelan

From Kirkus Reviews
A slightly fictionalized account of the great dancer- choreographer's (1931-89) early training and rise to fame, ending with the triumphant 1960 production of Revelations. Andrea Pinkney's narration is an undetailed but effective appreciation, written in an energetic, expressive style. Her husband's scratchboard illustrations are grand, beautifully capturing the dancers' rhythmic movement in swirls of fine lines and subtle, rather somber color enriching the black underlay. A final note fills in some of the facts; this attractive introduction, based on interviews with many who knew Ailey, will leave readers hungry for more. (Biography/Picture book) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Card catalog description
Describes the life, dancing, and choreography of Alvin Ailey, who created his own modern dance company to explore the black experience.

ANNOTATION

Describes the life, dancing, and choreography of Alvin Ailey, who created his own modern dance company to explore the black experience.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

In their first children's book collaboration, this markedly talented husband-and-wife team offers a warm profile of dancer and choreographer Alvin Ailey (1931-1989), whose dance company lives on today. The author deftly combines elements of fiction and biography, intertwining Ailey's alleged thoughts and conversations with facts about his childhood, his introduction to the world of dance in Los Angeles during the mid-1940s and his founding of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York City in 1958. This effective amalgam of genres easily draws the reader into Ailey's life, lending it appeal for those previously unacquainted with the legendary artist as well as for young fans eager to learn how Ailey launched his impressive career. Matching the finesse of the writing are Brian Pinkney's signature scratchboard renderings handpainted with oil pastels, which manage to convey stateliness as well as quickness, and which culminate in a vivid, motion-filled spread featuring dancers in Ailey's company reeling across the stage--and seemingly right off the pages. Ages 5-9. (Oct.)

Children's Literature - Susie Wilde

Andrea Pinkney and her husband Brian Pinkney collaborated to bring alive the life and spirit of Alvin Ailey. This book is a tribute to a man who changed forever African-American choreography and performance and the world of modern dance. The Pinkneys words and scratchboard illustrations honor the man and capture his whirling movements in a way children can understand. The book was selected for a Horn Book Fanfare award.

Children's Literature - Deborah Zink Roffino

Alvin Ailey was that rare force that changes the world forever. His world was dance. This dramatic children's book celebrates the life of the dancer from Texas. The story rocks and sways with movement in this simple biography of a man who "moved smooth like quicksilver" and never let loose his dream to dance. The illustrations were created with an alluring artistic technique where a black overlay is etched carefully to reveal a subtle, underlying rainbow of colors.

Children's Literature - Jan Lieberman

A picture book describing the life, dancing, and choreography of Alvin Ailey. Dynamic scratchboard illustrations.

Children's Literature - Beverly Kobrin