The Magic in Changing Your Stars

(Hardback)

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Description

Age range 9 to12

Can you change your fate and the fate of those you love if you return to the past Journey to 1939 Harlem in this time-travel adventure with an inspiring message about believing in yourself.

Eleven-year-old Ailey Benjamin Lane can dance--so he's certain that he'll land the role of the Scarecrow in his school's production of The Wiz. Unfortunately, a talented classmate and a serious attack of nerves derail his audition: he just stands there, frozen. Deflated and defeated, Ailey confides in his Grampa that he's ready to quit. But Grampa believes in Ailey, and, to encourage him, shares a childhood story. As a boy, Grampa dreamed of becoming a tap dancer; he was so good that the Hollywood star and unofficial Mayor of Harlem, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, even gave him a special pair of tap shoes. Curious, Ailey tries on the shoes . . . and instantly finds himself transported to 1930s Harlem. There he meets a young street tapper and realises that it's his own grandfather! Can Ailey help the 12-year-old version of Grampa face his fears And, if Ailey changes the past, will he still be able to get home again

Featuring an all-African-American cast of characters, and infused with references to black culture and history, this work of magical realism is sure to captivate and inspire readers.

Reviews

Ailey Benjamin Lane can dance outta this world and even drop a dope rhyme, but he struggles to perform his best under the spotlight.Hendersons characters have such powerful names, evoking a legacy of Black excellence that dovetails triumphantly with this story of facing regrets and achieving redemption.(A list of these names is appended.) . . . Black excellence, Black fantastic, and Black family combine for a transformational story of passion and persistence. Kirkus (Starred review)

"Henderson weaves magical realism and historical fiction together, offering hard lessons about trying and grit, alongside overwhelming love of family, a lot of laughs, and asmidgen of magic. Booklist (Starred review)

"A fast-paced story about family, bravery, and the arts, this story will have readers wanting to visit Harlem and tap alongside Ailey, Grampa, and Bojangles himself."School Library Journal (Starred review)

The Magic in Changing Your Starsis an enchanting story of a boy whose dream of becoming a star will take readers on a most wonderfully magical journeya heartfelt tribute to legendary African American performers and their place among the stars. Ibi Zoboi,New York Timesbestselling author ofMy Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich

"The value of family, perseverance, and believing in oneself takes center stage in this bighearted multigenerational story tinged with enchantment."Publisher's Weekly

Leah Henderson brings heartfelt magic to this culturally rich journey of hope, self-discovery and familial love. Rita Williams Garcia,New York Timesbest-selling author of the Gaither Sisters trilogy

"This story is family,and time-travel, plus Harlem, plus tap (and rap), with a dash of The Wiz. Come and get it." Newbery Medalist Rebecca Stead, author ofWhen You Reach MeandThe List ofThings That Will Not Change
"A fast-paced story about family, bravery, and the arts, this story will have readers wanting to visit Harlem and tap alongside Ailey, Grampa, and Bojangles himself."School Library Journal, starred review

Ailey Benjamin Lane can dance outta this world and even drop a dope rhyme, but he struggles to perform his best under the spotlight.Hendersons characters have such powerful names, evoking a legacy of black excellence that dovetails triumphantly with this story of facing regrets and achieving redemption.(A list of these names is appended.) . . . Black excellence, black fantastic, and black family combine for a transformational story of passion and persistence. Kirkus, starred review

The Magic in Changing Your Stars is an enchanting story of a boy whose dream of becoming a star will take readers on a most wonderfully magical journeya heartfelt tribute to legendary African American performers and their place among the stars. Ibi Zoboi, New York Times bestselling author of My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich

"The value of family, perseverance, and believing in oneself takes center stage in this bighearted multigenerational story tinged with enchantment."Publisher's Weekly

"Henderson weaves magical realism and historical fiction together, offering hard lessons about trying and grit, alongside overwhelming love of family, a lot of laughs, and asmidgen of magic. Booklist,starred review

Leah Henderson brings heartfelt magic to this culturally rich journey of hope, self-discovery and familial love. Rita Williams Garcia,New York Timesbest-selling author of the Gaither Sisters trilogy
This story is family,
and time-travel,plus Harlem,plus tap (and rap),with a dash of The Wiz.Come and get it. Newbery Medalist Rebecca Stead, author of When You Reach MeandThe List ofThings That Will Not Change

Author Bio

Leah Henderson tells stirring stories featuring black heroes and heroines. She is the author of the middle-grade novel, One Shadow on the Wall, and her short story will be included in the YA anthology, Black Enough: Stories in Black Teenhood in America. She lives in Washington, DC.Find Leah on Twitter @LeahsMark and on her website at leahhendersonbooks.com.