Ready to Fly: How Sylvia Townsend Became the Bookmobile Ballerina

“A lovely, uplifting story” — Joann Ferrara, Executive Director/Founder, Dancing Dreams “Ready to Fly is sooo sweet, sooo wonderful and sooo inspirational. This story will no doubt show little ones everywhere that you can find a dream in the library.” — Floyd Cooper, Coretta Scott King Award–winning author-illustrator “Readers are leaders, and Sylvia’s story proves just this....I love it! Not only is Ready to Fly full of adorable illustrations but [I] thoroughly enjoyed reading about the history of bookmobiles and Sylvia Townsend’s connection between books and ballet in the 1950s.”    — TaKiyah Wallace, Founder & Executive Director, Brown Girls Do, Inc. “Lyon and LaFaye have co-authored a standout text that centers action in this triumphant story....Gibson’s full-color illustrations use patterns, textures, and expressive facial features to show a loving family, a vibrant community, and a talented girl who becomes an accomplished woman....Engaging and inspiring, this brief introduction is also fun to read.” — Kirkus Reviews "Rhythmic prose, with active verbs like jive, sway, soar, and float, convey movement and draw readers into Townsend’s purposeful but joyful practice sessions....Gibson’s illustrations of Townsend’s early family life and dance practices express hope, wonder, and disappointment. A tale of ambition and perseverance. A satisfying addition to nonfiction collections for younger readers." — School Library Journal "Townsend’s determined spirit shines through the engaging first-person narration, and Gibson’s cartoon illustrations capture endearing scenes..." — Publishers Weekly