My Review: Fascinating biography of Josephine Baker retold for readers 9+ by Catherine Johnson who is so skilled at historical storytelling and biographies. I learned so much about Baker’s extraordinary life, and she covers some difficult episodes with a deft hand, not turning away from the harshness of Baker’s life but giving enough information for the age of the intended readership. I want to know more about Baker’s life after reading this and spent ages watching archive footage of her dancing. Biographies are increasingly popular reads and this will be a great addition to what’s available for young readers.

Suggested For: Biography enthusiasts, anyone interested in Black History, the history of show business, Civil Rights in the US, WW2 in Europe or real life stories of extraordinary talent and resilience. Readers who enjoy Barrington Stoke’s ‘super-readable’ (dyslexia friendly) books.

If You Like This You Might Enjoy: Sarah Bernhardt: The Divine and Dazzling Life of the World’s First Superstar by Catherine Reef (12+), Resist by Tom Palmer (fictionalisation of Audrey Hepburn’s teenage years under Nazi occupation in the Netherlands, also published by Barrington Stoke), Mary & Frankenstein: The True Story of Mary Shelley by Linda Bailey & Júlia Sardà, titles in the True Adventures series by Pushkin, especially Queen of Freedom also by Catherine Johnson, The Mysterious Life of Dr Barry by Lisa Williamson & Swordswoman! or The Queen of Jhansi in the Indian Uprising of 1857 by Devika Rangachari

Blurb: Catherine Johnson celebrates the incredible life of Josephine Baker in this true story, chronicling her journey from an impoverished childhood to beloved actress, dancer and wartime heroine.

Dancer, singer, actress, movie star, civil-rights activist – Josephine Baker was a phenomenon!

Overcoming the poverty and abuse of her childhood in a segregated America, Josephine grew up to become one of the biggest stars of the early twentieth century, particularly adored in her adopted country of France. She used her connections to help the Resistance in their fight against the Nazis during the Second World War and later became involved with Martin Luther King Jr and the civil rights movement in the US.

Controversial and outspoken, she is an iconic historical figure and Catherine Johnson brings her story vividly to life for a young audience in this enthralling piece of narrative non-fiction.

Particularly suitable for readers aged 9+ with a reading age of 8.

Thanks to Barrington Stoke for the review copy via NetGalley.