Description

Book Synopsis
A young Black boy dreams of dancing in this exuberant, buoyant picture book celebrating the beauty of dance, and the wonder of Black Boy Joy—perfect for fans of Firebird and Crown!

Langston likes basketball okay, but what he loves is to dance—ever since he saw the Alvin Ailey Dance Company perform. He longs to twirl into a pirouette, whirl into a piqué. He wants to arabesque and attitude, grand battement and grand jeté. When he walks, the whole street is his stage.

With his neighborhood cheering him on, will Langston achieve his dream?

Trade Review
"A tenderly told story about self-acceptance. The love and support that Langston receives from his mother serve to buoy his confidence, but it is his awareness of his passion that sustains him and pushes him to do what makes him happy: a lesson for every child. The illustrations are warm and dreamy...the absolute embodiment of Black boy joy, this is a beautiful and important book." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"Mallett’s lively, realistic illustrations, characterized by airbrushed strokes and dynamic dancers of varying skin tones, help further bring the story to life. Notable is Langston’s unwavering passion for ballet—and his mother’s just as steadfast support—in this richly affirmative picture book." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

When Langston Dances

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    £12.99

    Includes FREE delivery

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Mon 22 Jun 2026.

    A Hardback by Kaija Langley, Keith Mallett

    3 in stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of When Langston Dances by Kaija Langley

      Publisher: Simon & Schuster
      Publication Date: 09/12/2021
      ISBN13: 9781534485198, 978-1534485198
      ISBN10: 1534485198

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      A young Black boy dreams of dancing in this exuberant, buoyant picture book celebrating the beauty of dance, and the wonder of Black Boy Joy—perfect for fans of Firebird and Crown!

      Langston likes basketball okay, but what he loves is to dance—ever since he saw the Alvin Ailey Dance Company perform. He longs to twirl into a pirouette, whirl into a piqué. He wants to arabesque and attitude, grand battement and grand jeté. When he walks, the whole street is his stage.

      With his neighborhood cheering him on, will Langston achieve his dream?

      Trade Review
      "A tenderly told story about self-acceptance. The love and support that Langston receives from his mother serve to buoy his confidence, but it is his awareness of his passion that sustains him and pushes him to do what makes him happy: a lesson for every child. The illustrations are warm and dreamy...the absolute embodiment of Black boy joy, this is a beautiful and important book." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review
      "Mallett’s lively, realistic illustrations, characterized by airbrushed strokes and dynamic dancers of varying skin tones, help further bring the story to life. Notable is Langston’s unwavering passion for ballet—and his mother’s just as steadfast support—in this richly affirmative picture book." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

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