The Magic in Changing Your Stars

Can you change your fate--and the fate of those you love--if you return to the past? Journey to 1939 Harlem in this time-travel adventure with an inspiring message about believing in yourself.

Eleven-year-old Ailey Benjamin Lane can dance--so he's certain that he'll land the role of the Scarecrow in his school's production of The Wiz. Unfortunately, a talented classmate and a serious attack of nerves derail his audition: he just stands there, frozen. Deflated and defeated, Ailey confides in his Grampa that he's ready to quit. But Grampa believes in Ailey, and, to encourage him, shares a childhood story. As a boy, Grampa dreamed of becoming a tap dancer; he was so good that the Hollywood star and unofficial Mayor of Harlem, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, even gave him a special pair of tap shoes. Curious, Ailey finds the shoes, tries them on, taps his toes, and makes a wish. In the blink of an eye, he finds himself somewhere that if most definitely no place like home Featuring an all-African-American cast of characters, and infused with references to black culture and history, this work of magical realism is sure to captivate and inspire readers.

Publisher: Union Square Kids
Published: 08/04/2020
Pages: 304
Weight: 0.9lbs
Size: 7.70h x 5.30w x 1.20d
ISBN: 9781454934066
Age: Ages 9-12

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 4.3
Point Value: 8
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 512286 / Magic in Changing Your Stars


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 03/15/2020 pg. 127
School Library Journal 04/01/2020 pg. 128
Publishers Weekly 04/20/2020
Booklist 04/15/2020 pg. 70

About the Author
Leah Henderson tells stirring stories featuring black heroes and heroines. She is the author of the middle-grade novel, One Shadow on the Wall, and her short story will be included in the YA anthology, Black Enough: Stories in Black Teenhood in America. She lives in Washington, DC. Find Leah on Twitter @LeahsMark and on her website at leahhendersonbooks.com.