By Lesa Cline-Ransome and James E. Ransome; Simon & Schuster;

48 pages; $17.99

Before Robert Battle became artistic director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, he was a bowlegged boy with metal leg braces growing up in Miami. Upon seeing Ailey’s seminal work Revelations, a dream was born. My Story, My Dance, a picture book for children ages 5–10, tells Battle’s inspiring tale—from humble beginnings to leader of AAADT, now in his fifth season. The full-page illustrations depict Battle studying karate, his introduction to dance at age 13, his acceptance to Juilliard and how he became a sought-after choreographer.

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