Ira's Shakespeare Dream

Brief Description: "A biography chronicling the life of Ira Aldridge, an African American actor who is considered to be one of the greatest Shakespearean actors of the nineteenth century. Includes afterword and author's sources"--Marc Notes: A biography chronicling the life of Ira Aldridge, an African American actor who is considered to be one of the greatest Shakespearean actors of the nineteenth century. Includes afterword and author's sources--; Provided by publisher. Review Quotes: Though his acting earned him fame and a knighthood in Europe, Ira Aldridge is hardly a household name in his homeland, but this attractive picture book biography may change that. Born in New York City in 1807, Aldridge fell in love with acting as he sat in the balcony of the whites-only Park Theatre, watching the performances from afar. His dream grew wings at the African Grove, a new all-black venue, where he could sit wherever he liked. However, Aldridge's father insisted that his son follow in his footsteps and become a minister. Frustrated and seeking adventure, Aldridge left home to serve as cabin boy on a ship headed South. When a man offered to buy him from the captain for $500 and Aldridge witnessed other, less fortunate blacks on the auction block, he became angry and afraid. At 17, he decided to sail to England, where he would be free of his country s inhumanity and his father s expectations. Working his way up from errand boy to understudy, he eventually became "one of the most celebrated Shakespearean actors in Europe." Aldridge was also a vocal abolitionist, addressing audiences and raising money for the cause. The third-person narration invites readers into Ira s world and thoughts, incorporating Shakespearean verse where appropriate. Cooper s signature oil wash illustrations, created with kneaded eraser, beautifully capture the period and subjects emotions. The palette of somber browns spring to life, complemented by the vivid colors of the stage and costumes. VERDICTUse this handsome, inspiring offering to enrich units on Shakespeare, theater, or black history.--Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public Schools"School Library Journal" (06/01/2015)"Review Quotes: This gracefully told and elegantly illustrated story studies African-American actor Ira Frederick Aldridge, born in New York City in 1807. When a young Aldridge tells his teacher that he wants to perform Shakespeare at a theater that allows only white actors, the man (who is also African-American) replies, "You dream too big for a colored boy." (An author's note explains that while the book adheres to what is known about Aldridge, it also includes some imagined scenes, people, thoughts, and dialogue. ) In what proves to be a crucial decision, Aldridge signs on as a cabin boy on a ship bound for South Carolina, where he is horrified to see slaves sold at auction. That sorrow and compassion remains with him as he becomes an acclaimed Shakespearean actor in England. Using oil washes and erasers to create his familiar hazy effect, Cooper (A Dance Like Starlight) integrates both natural and stage light to underscore Ira s passion for his craft and his beliefs. Laced with Shakespearean lines, Armand s (Love Twelve Miles Long) understated narrative gives Ira a gentle and inspiring strength.--Publishers Weekly"Publishers Weekly" (07/01/2015)"Publisher Marketing: Ira Aldridge dreamed of being on stage one day performing the great works of William Shakespeare. He spent every chance he got at the local theaters, memorizing each actor s lines for all of Shakespeare s plays. Ira just knew he could be a great Shakespearean actor if only given the chance. But in the early 1800s, only white actors were allowed to perform Shakespeare. Ira s only option was to perform musical numbers at the all-black theater in New York city. Despite being discouraged by his teacher and father, Ira determinedly pursued his dream and set off to England, the land of Shakespeare. There, Ira honed his acting skills and eventually performed at the acclaimed Theatre Royal Haymarket. Through perseverance and determination, Ira became one of the most celebrated Shakespearean actors throughout Europe. Illustrated by award-winning artist Floyd Cooper, this nonfiction picture book biography is a captivating tribute to the inspiring life of Ira Aldridge, and to the renowned works of William Shakespeare." Review Citations:

Kirkus Reviews 04/15/2015 (EAN 9781620141557, Hardcover)

Publishers Weekly 05/04/2015 (EAN 9781620141557, Hardcover)

School Library Journal 06/01/2015 pg. 133 (EAN 9781620141557, Hardcover) - *Starred Review

Kirkus Reviews 05/15/2015 pg. 35 (EAN 9781620141557, Hardcover)

Booklist 06/01/2015 pg. 88 (EAN 9781620141557, Hardcover)

Contributor Bio:  Armand, Glenda GLENDA ARMAND is a former elementary and middle school teacher who currently serves as a teacher librarian at a middle school in Los Angeles, California. She loves reading about history and is passionate about sharing the stories of enslaved African Americans, "acknowledging the humanity and indomitable spirit of people who kept their souls and their voices, even in the worst of circumstances." Love Twelve Miles Long, a Lee & Low New Voices Award winner, is her first book. Contributor Bio:  Cooper, Floyd The illustrator of more thansixty children s books, Floyd Cooper isa past recipient of the CorettaScott King Award for Illustration and a four-time recipient of the Coretta Scott King Honor Award. He lives in Pennsylvania with his family. Visit his website at www.floydcooper.com.