Fly

(Hardback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

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

Africas 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, thoughhow can she hope to compete when shes never done it before But Africa has all the tools she needs: memories of her grandmother, her bestie Biancas dance moves, her friend Omars 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 its the birthmark in the shape of her name that tells her shes always been a winner.

Reviews

Thurmans lyrical text, paired with Cunhas stunning illustrations, generates an empowering and uplifting experience. Beautifully written and illustrated, this is one to be cherished. -- Booklist * 1/1/2022 *
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 *

Author Bio

Brittany J. Thurman is the author ofFly. She holds an MFA in Dramatic Writing from Carnegie Mellon University. During her graduate years at Carnegie Mellon University, Brittanys plays were produced in Aspen, Colorado, and on New Yorks Citys Theatre Row. She is a graduate of Kingston UniversityinLondon, England, where she spent several years studying theater. She is a former childrens 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 isnt writing, you can catch her biking along Louisvilles waterfront, safely travelling, and spending plenty of time with her family.

Anna Cunhais a Brazilian illustrator, living and working in Belo Horizonte. She graduated with a degree in fine arts from Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais and got a graduate degree in illustration from EINA Universitat Autnoma de Barcelona. She has illustrated more than twenty books for Brazilian and foreign publishers and has won the Aeilij Prize for her work. Shes also been nominated several times for the Jabuti Prize, the most prestigious Brazilian literature prize, been awarded with a special mention at the Joo-de-Barro Prize, and was one of the Brazilian entrants for the Biennial of Illustration Bratislava.