Ready to Fly: How Sylvia Townsend Became the Bookmobile Ballerina - by Lea Lyon & Alexandria Lafaye

About the Book

"Although there aren't many ballet schools that will accept a girl like Sylvia in the 1950s, her local bookmobile provides another possibility. A librarian helps Sylvia find a book about ballet and the determined seven-year-old, with the help of her new books, starts teaching herself the basics of classical ballet. Soon Sylvia learns how to fly--how to dance--and how to dare to dream"--

Book Synopsis

Lyrical, inspiring, and affecting text paired with bright, appealing illustrations make Ready to Fly perfect for aspiring ballerinas everywhere who are ready to leap and to spread their wings!

Ready to Fly is the true story of Sylvia Townsend, an African American girl who falls in love with ballet after seeing Swan Lake on TV. This nonfiction picture book is an excellent choice to share at home or in the classroom.

Although there aren't many ballet schools that will accept a girl like Sylvia in the 1950s, her local bookmobile provides another possibility. A librarian helps Sylvia find a book about ballet and the determined seven-year-old, with the help of her new books, starts teaching herself the basics of classical ballet.

Soon Sylvia learns how to fly--how to dance--and how to dare to dream.

Includes a foreword from Sylvia Townsend, a brief history of the bookmobile, an author's note, and a further reading list.

From the Back Cover

INSPIRED BY THE AMAZING LIFE OF BALLERINA SYLVIA TOWNSEND

Sylvia longs to be a ballerina like the ones she sees on television.

She wants to leap

and twirl

and do pliés

till she can dance in real ballets.

But as an African American girl in 1950s America, Sylvia has to make her dreams come true against all odds.

This beautiful first-ever biography of Sylvia Townsend tells the story of how one determined girl got her wings by discovering the magic of the bookmobile, keeping the beat in her feet, and staying on her tippy-toes . . . always ready for liftoff.

Review Quotes

"A lovely, uplifting story" -- Joann Ferrara, Executive Director/Founder, Dancing Dreams

"Ready to Fly is sooo sweet, sooo wonderful and sooo inspirational. This story will no doubt show little ones everywhere that you can find a dream in the library." -- Floyd Cooper, Coretta Scott King Award-winning author-illustrator

"Readers are leaders, and Sylvia's story proves just this....I love it! Not only is Ready to Fly full of adorable illustrations but [I] thoroughly enjoyed reading about the history of bookmobiles and Sylvia Townsend's connection between books and ballet in the 1950s." -- TaKiyah Wallace, Founder & Executive Director, Brown Girls Do, Inc.

"Lyon and LaFaye have co-authored a standout text that centers action in this triumphant story....Gibson's full-color illustrations use patterns, textures, and expressive facial features to show a loving family, a vibrant community, and a talented girl who becomes an accomplished woman....Engaging and inspiring, this brief introduction is also fun to read." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Rhythmic prose, with active verbs like jive, sway, soar, and float, convey movement and draw readers into Townsend's purposeful but joyful practice sessions....Gibson's illustrations of Townsend's early family life and dance practices express hope, wonder, and disappointment. A tale of ambition and perseverance. A satisfying addition to nonfiction collections for younger readers." -- School Library Journal

"Townsend's determined spirit shines through the engaging first-person narration, and Gibson's cartoon illustrations capture endearing scenes..." -- Publishers Weekly