Dancer, singer, actress, movie star, spy and civil-rights activist, Josephine Baker was a remarkable woman. Her story has been vividly brought to life in this inspiring book by Catherine Johnson. Dance of Resistance tells Josephine’s life story from impoverished childhood to fame and stardom. Alongside her talent this impressive woman also possessed considerable determination and drive to succeed. Today’s young readers will learn much from this compelling narrative non-fiction.

Born in East St Louis in 1906 young Josephine was expected to bring some money in to support her family. Sent to work as a maid in a large house nearby her life is made bearable by her love of dance, music and theatre. Sometimes she saves her pennies to visit the theatre to watch the glamourous dancers and often she dances in the street to music coming out of local bars. After several unpleasant experiences and an unwanted marriage at the age of 13 Josephine is befriended by one of the performers and through hard work and perseverance she becomes a dancer in one of the shows she loves. From there on her popularity grows culminating in a trip to Paris and stardom. When the Nazis invade France she is recruited to the French Resistance and becomes instrumental in the safety of fleeing refugees.

This is an astonishing story in many ways. Although I knew a little about Josephine Baker and her life Catherine Johnson has ensured that her readers are fully aware of this woman’s role as an historic figure. Her treatment in the US during a time of racial segregation is shocking and conveyed in an age appropriate manner but nevertheless brings home what life was like for Black people at that time. Josephine’s strength in standing up to her treatment and her later involvement in the civil rights movement are an important element of her life story.

The writing style, as in Johnson’s previous narrative non-fiction for Barrington Stoke is extremely readable and although obviously not the target audience I read this in one sitting. The narrative voice fizzes with exuberant positivity throughout and this carries the reader through and brings the young woman to life on the page. This is so skilfully done that by half way through it is possible to imagine that Josephine Baker herself is telling the story.

Dance of Resistance is a story of an impressive woman and how she made the most of her life, told in an accessible and inspiring manner. Published by Barrington Stoke on 11th September for readers of about 9 or 10 upwards with a reading age of 8. Recommended for both primary and secondary school libraries and classrooms.

As we approach Black History Month in October Dance of Resistance would be a particularly good book to share at this time. To assist with this the publishers in collaboration with CLPE have produced a free teacher pack to help develop reading strategies and provides lots of enjoyable activities for the classroom which is free to download on their website here.

You may also be interested in a free online event for schools with Catherine Johnson on Thursday 16th October 1.30pm – 2.30pm when she will be discussing this book with an opportunity for student questions. Suitable for Year 5 and above. Schools can register here.