The Magic in Changing your Stars
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.
- Author: Leah Henderson
- Why we love it: A magical time travelling tale about believing in yourself. We love that it infuses black history and it is so beautifully written you could read it to children as young as 5 at bedtime and they'll be sure to be captivated by it! We think it would make the perfect Christmas gift.
- Paperback: 304 pages
- Reading Level: 9-12
- Dimensions: 13.46 x 3.05 x 19.56 cm
