Junior Takes a Leap - by Ebony Lynn Mudd (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Junior dances with heart, soul, and the sidewalk as his stage. When rhythm calls, he takes his boldest leap yet -- into the spotlight of self-discovery.

Junior is a dancer, and the sidewalks of his city neighborhood are his stage. With every twirl, leap, and bow, the rhythm of the city flows through him -- and even the pigeons rise in a fluttering ovation. But when a colorful flyer leads him to a free ballet class, Junior finds himself in a new world of movement. It's unfamiliar. It's challenging. And it's beautiful.

Through sore muscles and steep learning curves, Junior leans on his soul, spirit, and unwavering passion. With each plié and pirouette, he begins to carve out space for himself in a tradition not often seen through boys like him.

This powerful and uplifting picture book celebrates creativity, courage, and the joy of self-expression. It breaks down barriers of gender, race, and class, shining a spotlight on a young Black boy embracing ballet with bravery and grace. A triumphant ode to following your rhythm -- wherever it may lead.

About the Author

Ebony Lynn Mudd is a storyteller who writes stories that center underrepresented kids as main characters, highlighting the rich diversity within the Black community. Ebony's stories are an act of love, a creative form of literary activism, and a safe space for every person who opens her books. Ebony lives (and dances) in North Carolina but is always seeking the next plane, train, bus, car, scooter, or boat to whisk her away on a new adventure.
Charles (C. G.) Esperanza is the illustrator of Soul Food Sunday, for which he received a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor; the author-illustrator of Boogie, Boogie, Y'all, for which he received a Pura Belpré Youth Illustrator Honor; and the illustrator of My Daddy Is a Cowboy, for which he received the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award and a Caldecott Honor. He lives in the Bronx, New York.