The book doesn't shy way from portraying Baker's life, including her talents and strengths, but also her controversial and complex personality.īaker adopted many children from all over the world which she described as "The Rainbow Tribe". In 1939 when France declared war on Germany, Baker was recruited by the French military intelligence, as an "honorable correspondent".Īfter just finishing the wondrous Brown Girl Dreaming I think it's wonderful to see YA and Children's books teaching these new generations about African American icons and their impact in the world we live today. The book features wonderful vivid illustrations of Josephine Baker life and career.Īlthough I watched documentaries and at least one biopic movie based on her life, this children's book still taught me a few things I didn't know about the life of this most extraordinary woman (I didn't know for example that during France's occupation in World War II, Baker had volunteered with the Red Cross and later on worked for the French Resistance, at times smuggling messages hidden in her sheet music and even in her underwear).
Written in free verse, The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker by Patricia Hruby Powell and illustrated by Christian Robinson is a beautiful little book and a great introduction to the life of the indomitable and glamorous African American-French dancer. Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker
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