Alvin Ailey

Andrea Davis Pinkney is the New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of nearly 50 books for young readers, among them The Red Pencil and A Poem for Peter, as well as several collaborations with her husband Brian Pinkney, including Sit -In and Hand in Hand, which received the Coretta Scott King Book Award.

Brian Pinkney has illustrated numerous books for children, including two Caldecott Honor books, and he has written and illustrated several of his own books. Brian has received the Coretta Scott King Book Award for Illustration and three Coretta Scott King Book Award Honor medals.

The Pinkneys have been named among the "25 Most Influential People in Our Children's Lives" by Children's Health magazine. They live in Brooklyn, New York.

"[A] simply told but inspiring story of a pioneer in American modern dance...Brian Pinkney's illustrations convey Alvin Ailey's grace as a dancer as well as his strength ad pride in his art."—Horn Book, starred review
"This attractive introduction, based on interviews with many who knew Ailey, will leave readers hungry for more."—Kirkus
"In their first children's book collaboration, this markedly talented husband-and-wife team offers a warm profile of dancer and choreographer Alvin Ailey..."—Publishers Weekly
"This handsome picture-book biography pays tribute to modern dancer Alvin Ailey, who's best known for interpreting African American culture through his dancing and choreography."—Booklist
"An accessible picture-book biography that recounts Ailey's boyhood...the book is both informative and inspiring and will make an excellent addition to most collections."—School Library Journal