On the Line: My Story of Becoming the First African American Rockette

Name: On the Line: My Story of Becoming the First African American Rockette
Brand: Harper Audio
Availability: InStock
Author: Jennifer Jones
ISBN: 9780063087095

Author: Jennifer Jones, Lissette Norman

Narrator: Robin Eller

Unabridged: 13 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: HarperCollins

Published: 10/31/2023

Categories: Children's Nonfiction, Performing Arts, Dance, African American & Black Nonfiction, Social Topics, Prejudice & Racism

Synopsis

"Though this tale explores painful emotions, its focus on Jennifer’s personal experience and the pleasure she found in dance make it an absolute delight."—Kirkus ReviewsFrom the first Black Radio City Rockette dancer, Jennifer Jones, comes an inspiring autobiography perfect for fans of trailblazers like Misty Copeland, Mae Jemison, and more. Dancing has always made her feel free, like she can do anything. But when Jennifer was a child, some people didn’t think that she had a future as a dancer because of the color of her skin.With the support of her family, especially her mother, she proved that anything is possible when you believe you belong.On the Line is a captivating true story about manifesting your dreams.

About Jennifer Jones

Jennifer Jones is an award-winning dancer and activist known for becoming the first African American Rockette. Since 1987, she has advocated for equal rights in the arts, and her work has been celebrated by the Harlem School of the Arts, Radio City Music Hall, and Madison Square Garden. A survivor of colon cancer, she lives in New Jersey with her husband, Jeffrey.

About Lissette Norman

Lissette Norman is a poet and the author of the picture books My Feet Are Laughing and Plátanos Go with Everything. She is also coauthor of the picture books Until Someone Listens by Estela Juarez and On the Line: My Story of Becoming the First African American Rockette by Jennifer Jones. Lissette received her BA in English at SUNY-Binghamton and currently lives in New York City. Visit her at lissettenorman.com.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Steena

I read this beautiful picture book with my kids about Jennifer Jones and her experiences as the first African American Rockette. We discussed what it means to be a trailblazer and to overcome discrimination through bravery and family support. My son was in awe of the lovely watercolor illustrations.......more

Goodreads review by Anne

A wonderful inspiration for children to hear Jennifer's journey to becoming the first Black Rockette......more

Goodreads review by Panda

This picture book biography is very inspiring, telling the true story of the author's experiences dancing as a child, learning to embrace her biracial identity, and becoming the first African American Rockette. This book is great for people who are interested in dance, and for anyone looking for an......more

Goodreads review by SOYAMRG

A beautifully illustrated autobiographical picture book, One the Line tells the story of Jennifer Jones and her journey to becoming the first African American Rockette. A wonderful text to use in a classroom or at home to introduce the important topics of racism and discrimination but also an inspir......more

Goodreads review by Susan

In this first-person account of how Jennifer Jones became the first African American Rockette, many kids will relate to young Jennifer's love of dance and her frustration over the injustices of racism. They will also root for Jennifer as she works hard to blaze a new trail and live out her dream of......more