A Young Dancer: The Life of an Ailey Student by Valerie Gladstone, photographs by Jose Ivey.

Enter the world of the prestigious Ailey School in New York City and view it through the eyes of Iman Bright, a thirteen-year-old student.  As she goes through her lessons in ballet, jazz, modern and West African dance, readers will understand the dedication it takes to study dance at this level.  At the same time, readers will see a normal thirteen year old who goes to school and plays the violin.  The book strikes exactly the right balance. 

Ivey’s photographs nicely capture the movement and poses of dance.  He is equally successful capturing Iman when she is out of school with her friends and family.  Gladstone’s text comes from Iman’s point of view and is simple and frank about what she is doing. 

A strong nonfiction dance title, this book takes it beyond popular dance with sparkly costumes and to a more studious and serious level.  Appropriate for ages 5-8.