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

Effusive phrasing from Jones recounts her arc from childhood to becoming the first African American Rockette. Ascribing early shyness to a feeling of being different in her family’s New Jersey town, she describes a store clerk telling her that “girls like you don’t become dancers.” After that event, Jones’s parents install a piece of linoleum upon which she can practice at home, she discovers the magic of performing for a crowd, and a Broadway viewing of The Wiz confirms for her that “I can be Black and dance on a grand stage too.” After that, there is no stopping her as she strives to forge her own path, her mother’s encouraging voice offering assurance along the way. Paul’s movement-oriented illustrations show a young Jones working through the audition process, and appearing on the kickline, in this upbeat personal portrait that invites readers to consider, “What will your story be?” Ages 4–8. (Oct.)