Fly - by Brittany J Thurman (Hardcover)

About the Book

Africa enters a double Dutch contest without knowing how to double Dutch, and on her journey to learn her friends show her how to jive, step, clap Miss Mary Mack, and do cartwheels.

Book Synopsis

Pure joy and the power of community radiate from this sweet picture book about a young Black girl's perseverance and confidence in following her double Dutch dreams.

Africa's grandmother was a double Dutch legend, and Africa knows she can become the same. Her brother scoffs when she signs up for a double Dutch competition, though--how can she hope to compete when she's never done it before? But Africa has all the tools she needs: memories of her grandmother, her bestie Bianca's dance moves, her friend Omar's rhythm, and her classmates' Mary Mack timing and cartwheels.

If Africa can pull everything together to jump some winning moves, she might just fly, but it's the birthmark in the shape of her name that tells her she's always been a winner.

Review Quotes

A strong purchase for most collections, this is a story with a powerful message, quietly shared in stunning illustrations and engaging text. --School Library Journal, *STARRED REVIEW* "5/20/2022"

Thurman's lyrical text, paired with Cunha's stunning illustrations, generates an empowering and uplifting experience. Beautifully written and illustrated, this is one to be cherished.--Booklist "1/1/2022"

About the Author

Brittany J. Thurman is the author of Fly. She holds an MFA in Dramatic Writing from Carnegie Mellon University. During her graduate years at Carnegie Mellon University, Brittany's plays were produced in Aspen, Colorado, and on New York's City's Theatre Row. She is a graduate of Kingston University in London, England, where she spent several years studying theater. She is a former children's specialist and museum educator, where she advocated for early literacy, reading hundreds of stories to thousands of children across Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Brittany currently lives in her hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, where she holds tight to her elders, her roots, and her childhood home. When Brittany isn't writing, you can catch her biking along Louisville's waterfront, safely travelling, and spending plenty of time with her family.

Anna Cunha is a Brazilian illustrator, living and working in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. She has illustrated more than twenty books for Brazilian and foreign publishers, been nominated for the 2022 Kate Greenaway Medal, and won the AEILIJ Prize for her work. She is the illustrator of Fly by Brittany J. Thurman and Nani and the Lion by Alicia D. Williams.