Brave Ballerina: The Story of Janet Collins

Summary of Book

A lyrical picture book biography of Janet Collins, the first African American principal dancer at the Metropolitan Opera House.

Janet Collins wanted to be a ballerina in the 1930s and 40s, a time when racial segregation was widespread in the United States. Janet pursued dance with a passion, despite being rejected from discriminatory dance schools. When she was accepted into the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo as a teenager on the condition that she paint her skin white for performances, Janet refused. She continued to go after her dreams, never compromising her values along the way. From her early childhood lessons to the height of her success as the first African American prima ballerina in the Metropolitan Opera, Brave Ballerina is the story of a remarkable pioneer as told by Michelle Meadows, with fantastic illustrations from Ebony Glenn.

Author Biography

Michelle Meadows is the author of Hibernation Station, Piggies in Pajamas, and Super Bugs. She dances with her husband as much as possible. She lives in Delaware and loves to write at the beach.

Illustrator Biography

Ebony Glenn is an Atlanta-based illustrator and proud recipient of the 2018 Wonders of Childhood Focus Fellowship. She has illustrated books including Brave Ballerina, Not Quite Snow White, and Mommy's Khimar.