♦ Evocative language, such as “skip, spin, twirl, prance, and strut” brings this story of a young dancer to life. Joy can become a form of resistance, as shown in this biography. From childhood, Richard Lamberty recognizes dance as an authentic expression of self, even when adults attempt to temper or redirect that impulse. The narrative follows how that early certainty evolves into advocacy, culminating in his founding of April Follies to legitimize and expand opportunities for same-sex ballroom competition. What begins as personal passion becomes public work. Dance is presented as both disciplined craft and cultural intervention, challenging restrictive norms and widening the circle of belonging. Chen’s digital illustrations heighten this sense of movement and intention. Sweeping lines carry the eye across each spread, capturing lift, extension, and precision, allowing readers to feel the movement of dance through the illustrations. Saturated jewel tones and warm golds evoke stage light and celebration without veering into excess. The characterization feels contemporary and accessible while maintaining elegance. VERDICT An uplifting and thoughtfully rendered portrait that affirms how artistic conviction can reshape tradition and expand possibilities for inclusion; a necessary purchase.
—School Library Journal, starred review
Under studio lights and strict rules, a young dancer refuses to stay in step.
This picture-book biography, co-authored by its subject, focuses on the life of dancer Lamberty (b. 1959). As a teen, he falls for ballroom—jive, rumba, cha-cha—but bristles at the rigid roles that reserve all the fun flair for girls. Though his teachers shut him down, he practices both parts in private, twirling and dipping on his own. That determination sharpens his skill and leads to a job teaching dance, yet he still longs to perform freely. Years later, he spots a flyer for the Gay Games in Amsterdam. Finding a partner proves difficult at a time when many fear being openly themselves, but Richard persists. When he finally competes, he and his partner Tom place third in the world. The experience affirms what Richard already knows: If a true space of belonging doesn’t exist for him, he must build it from the ground up. He leans into queer advocacy and creates April Follies, an inclusive competition that welcomes dancers as they are. Chen’s digital illustrations feature fluid shapes and luminous gradients that convey motion and joy. Ribbonlike color sweeps guide the eye, while Richard seems to glow brighter than all those around him, capturing his spark. Richard is white, and the book’s ensemble visually reflects a wide range of identities.
A poignant reflection on joyful resistance.
—Kirkus Reviews
