A parent might reach for this book when their child is feeling like an outsider or needs a powerful role model for resilience and self-expression. Jazz Age Josephine vibrantly tells the story of Josephine Baker, a girl who rose from poverty and the racism of segregated St. Louis to become an international superstar in Paris. The book tackles difficult themes like racial injustice and hardship but frames them within a triumphant story of creativity and perseverance. It is an excellent, age-appropriate introduction to a significant historical figure, perfect for sparking conversations about history, civil rights, and the courage it takes to be unapologetically yourself.
Illustrations allude to race riots with images of fire and frightened people.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with racism, segregation, and poverty. There is a specific, though stylized, depiction of the East St. Louis race riots of 1917. The approach is direct and historical, not metaphorical. The resolution is hopeful, celebrating Josephine's immense success and her choice to use her platform to fight for justice, but it does not sugarcoat the reality of the prejudice she faced.
Ideal Reader
This is for an inquisitive 7 to 10-year-old who is starting to ask questions about fairness and history. It's also perfect for a young performer or creative child who feels like they are 'too much' and needs to see how uniqueness can be a superpower.
Parent Prep
Parents should absolutely preview the two-page spread illustrating the East St. Louis race riots. The text mentions 'angry white people' and the art, while not graphic, depicts fire, fear, and chaos. This section requires context to explain the historical reality of racial violence in a way a child can process. The rest of the book can be read cold. A parent has just seen their child feel excluded or 'othered' because of how they look, act, or where they come from. Or, the child has come home from school with questions about Martin Luther King, Jr. or segregation and the parent is looking for a story-based way to explain it.
Age Experience
A younger reader (6-7) will connect with the dynamic illustrations, the story of a girl who loves to dance, and the sheer fun of Josephine's performances. An older reader (8-10) will grasp the deeper themes of social injustice, the contrast between her treatment in America versus Europe, and the significance of her role as an activist. They will understand the concept of overcoming systemic barriers.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many biographies for this age, the book's artistic style is as dynamic as its subject. Marjorie Priceman's gouache illustrations have a swirling, kinetic energy that perfectly mimics jazz music and Josephine's dancing. Jonah Winter's lyrical, rhythmic prose makes the story feel like a performance itself, elevating it from a simple recitation of facts to a true artistic tribute.
Read plot summary
This picture book biography chronicles the life of entertainer and activist Josephine Baker. It follows her from a childhood of poverty in segregated St. Louis, through her early days as a comedic dancer in Black vaudeville shows, to her explosion onto the Paris stage where her unique, joyful, and uninhibited style made her a superstar. The book also touches upon her return to a still-segregated America and her work as a civil rights advocate.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
When Josephine lived in America, she was treated poorly because she was Black. In Paris, people celebrated her. Why do you think the same person was treated so differently in two different places?
2
The book shows Josephine making silly, crossed-eyed faces on stage, which was very different from other dancers. Why was being unique and funny so important for her success?
3
After becoming a huge star in Paris, Josephine chose to come back to America to speak out against unfairness, even though it was hard. What does this decision tell us about what was important to her?
4
Look at the illustrations. How does the artist use color and swirling lines to show the feeling of jazz music and Josephine's dancing?
