Amazing Grace (Grace-picture Books)

“Grace used to be a girl who loved stories.” Empowered by the strength of her imagination and the love of her mother and Nana, this dramatic, creative girl constantly adopts roles and identities: Joan of Arc, Anansi the Spider, Hiawatha, Mowgli, Aladdin. When her class plans a presentation of Peter Pan , “Grace knew who she wanted to be.” She holds fast despite her classmates’ demurrals; Nana, meanwhile, reminds her granddaughter that she can do anything she imagines. When Nana takes Grace to see a famous black ballerina–“from back home in Trinidad”–the made up our minds youngster is aroused by the performance, and wins the role of her dreams. Featuring colloquial dialogue and endearing characters, Hoffman’s ( My Grandma Has Black Hair ) tale is in reality inspiring. First-timer Birch contributes evocative, carefully detailed watercolor paintings, which add their own share of emotional power and personal passion. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Kindergarten-Grade 2– Grace loves stories, whether she hears them, reads them, or makes them up. Possessed with a marvelous imagination in addition to a strong flair for the dramatic, she acts the stories out, at all times giving herself the most exciting parts. Thus, it is natural when her teacher announces a classroom production of Peter Pan , that Grace wants to play the lead. One classmate says she can’t because she’s a girl and another says she can’t because she’s black. When a saddened Grace relates the days events to her mother and grandmother, they tell her she will also be anything she wants to, if she puts her mind to it. Inspired by her family’s make stronger, her own indomitable spirit, and an excursion to a weekend ballet starring a lovely Trinidadian dancer, Grace shines all over her audition, leaving no doubt in anyone’s mind as to who will play Peter Pan. Gorgeous watercolor illustrations portraying a made up our minds, talented child and her warm family toughen an excellent text and positive message of self-affirmation. Grace is an amazing girl and this is an amazing book. –Anna DeWind, Milwaukee Public Library
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.