The Swans of Harlem (Adapted for Young Adults): Five Black Ballerinas, a Legacy of Sisterhood, and Their Reclamation of a Groundbreaking History by Karen Valby
Published by Delacorte Press on 2025
ISBN: 0593643569
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

Decades after their peak stardom, five pioneering Black ballerinas of the first-of-its-kind Dance Theater of Harlem come together to reclaim their voices and groundbreaking accomplishments, ensuring their history is never again forgotten. 

This book does not shy away from tough topics that students may relate to such as body shaming, being a minority in predominantly white spaces, coping with high expectations and overcoming adversity. Yet, the author keeps the writing straight forward enough, reading more like narrative fiction, that this can be recommended to both tweens and teens. The only drawback was the extensive use of dance terms that may be confusing to students with no prior knowledge of the sport, though most uses are followed by an explanation. This would be a great pick for school librarians looking to expand their sports-related non-fiction section, as well as public libraries where teens take a special interest in lost history. Extra resources like a detailed index, letter from the ballerinas themselves and gallery make it an excellent resource for reports and classroom biography projects too.  Though a bit more of a niche topic, this engaging read is highly recommended if you have the space for it! 

Reviewed by Hannah Doktor, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta