Fly

In a sweet story about believing in yourself and following your dreams, Africa, a young girl with a birthmark in the shape of her name, wants to compete in an upcoming double Dutch competition. Though she has never done it before, she is confident that she'll be able to "jump, fly, double Dutch to the sky." Africa's grandmother was a double Dutch legend, and Africa is ready to learn. She enlists her schoolmates for help, but while they haven't double Dutched either, Africa learns to dance, step, clap and sing, and cartwheel. With these new skills, self-confidence, and fearlessness, Africa is ready to show the world what she's made of. Thurman's lyrical text, paired with Cunha's stunning illustrations, generates an empowering and uplifting experience. The spare, matte illustrations presented in airy panoramic spreads of earth tones and pastels create a spectacular visual. The rich and beautiful chalklike textures showcase children of various skin tones, all with happy faces and prominent rosy cheeks, emphasizing joy. Beautifully written and illustrated, this is one to be cherished.

When a Black child, named Africa for the continent-shaped birthmark on her arm, sees an announcement for a double Dutch competition, she asks her brother what a competition is. "It's when you show the world what you're made of," he replies. Though she's never played double Dutch before, she decides to compete, "certain she can double Dutch like her grandma used to." She first attempts to teach herself through books and practice, then asks her brother and her classmates (most of whom have brown skin) to teach her. Not knowing double Dutch, each instead offers her their own special talent--dancing, stepping, "Miss Mary Mack," double-cartwheels, backflips, and somersaults--and with every lesson, Africa's confidence grows. On the day of the competition, Africa still doesn't know the game, but she has the component skills she needs to "jump, fly, double Dutch to the sky" like her Nana, as well as "a birthmark in the shape of her name that's always shown her what she's made of." In straightforward lines, debut author Thurman tells a community-centered story of one child's determination to achieve a goal. Naïf-style illustrations by Cunha (A Story About Afiya) feature doll-like rosy cheeks, stippled textures, and a saturated color palette. Ages 4--8. Author's agent: Marietta B. Zacker, Gallt & Zacker Literary. (Jan.)