Trailblazer: The Story of Ballerina Raven Wilkinson

Gr 2–5—Schubert lovingly tells the life story of Raven Wilkinson, the first African American ballerina to tour with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. From the age of nine, she was enamored and determined to make it as a dancer after an uncle gave her the gift of ballet lessons. Schubert chronicles the many injustices Wilkinson experienced over the course of her career because of racism, including segregation, violence from the Ku Klux Klan, and being denied prominent roles. After performing for several years in the United States, she moved to Holland where "people were far more interested in who I was rather than what I was," but she later returned to the States and performed with the New York City Opera until the end of her career at age 50. Taylor's animation-style use of heavy outlines and muted tones captures the poise and athleticism of Wilkinson. A foreword by Misty Copeland, who credits Wilkinson for being a friend and a mentor, addresses Wilkinson's legacy and importance for future ballerinas, especially in regards to the lack of diversity in classical ballet.