Jazz Age Josephine
What’s inside...
Josephine Baker grows up in the rough-and-tumble world of St. Louis, Missouri, during the 1910s. She overcomes poverty, racism, and sexism to become the Queen of the Jazz Age, captivating audiences with her daring dance moves and singing talent. A picture book biography that will inspire readers to dance to their own beats! Singer, dancer, actress, and independent dame, Josephine Baker felt life was a performance. She lived by her own rules and helped to shake up the status quo with wild costumes and a you-can’t-tell-me-no attitude that made her famous. She even had a pet leopard in Paris! From bestselling children’s biographer Jonah Winter and two-time Caldecott Honoree Marjorie Priceman comes a story of a woman the stage could barely contain. Rising from a poor, segregated upbringing, Josephine Baker was able to break through racial barriers with her own sense of flair and astonishing dance abilities. She was a pillar of steel with a heart of gold—all wrapped up in feathers, sequins, and an infectious rhythm.
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Josephine Baker
Discussion points
How do you think Josephine felt when she moved to a new place and started performing?
What qualities do you admire about Josephine and why?
Why do you think Josephine kept dancing and performing even when things got tough?
How did the people around Josephine help her succeed?
What can we learn from Josephine's story about following our dreams?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child about their dreams and ambitions, then relate Josephine's pursuit of her dreams to their own.
Discuss the historical context of the Jazz Age and how it influenced Josephine’s music and dance style, to enhance understanding of the era.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts about overcoming obstacles, inspired by Josephine's resilience.
Ask your child what qualities they admire in Josephine and discuss how they can embody these qualities in their own life.
Use Josephine’s story to converse about cultural diversity and the importance of embracing one’s unique identity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Josephine Baker overcomes poverty and racism to become a famous entertainer. Her journey showcases persistence and courage.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of perseverance when they face challenges, understanding that difficulties can be overcome with determination.
Example Lesson: Embracing diversity
Explanation: The book depicts Josephine Baker's popularity in Paris, a city that celebrated her uniqueness, contrasting with the discrimination she faced in the United States.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to appreciate and celebrate differences in others, promoting inclusivity and acceptance in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: The power of creativity and expression
Explanation: Josephine uses her unique dance styles and performances to express herself and connect with audiences worldwide.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to use their own creativity to express their thoughts and feelings, whether through art, writing, or play, fostering a sense of self and connection with others.
Example Lesson: Impact of cultural exchange
Explanation: Josephine Baker's success in France shows how cultural interactions can enrich societies, as she influenced both the entertainment and social spheres.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of learning from and participating in cultures other than their own, broadening their perspectives and understanding of the world.
Example Lesson: Self-confidence
Explanation: Despite numerous obstacles, Josephine remains confident in her abilities and her identity, which is crucial to her success.
Real-World Application: It highlights the importance of self-belief and confidence for children, encouraging them to embrace their strengths and capabilities in various aspects of life.