The Many Faces of Josephine Baker: Dancer, Singer, Activist, Spy

Description

Author Peggy Caravantes follows Josephine Baker's life from her childhood in the depths of poverty to her comedic rise in vaudeville and fame in Europe. This biography also covers her outspoken participation in the U.S. Civil Rights Movement, espionage work for the French Resistance during World War II, and adoption of 12 children--her "rainbow tribe."

Peggy Caravantes is a former English and history teacher, middle school principal and deputy school superintendent. She is the author of 16 books for middle grades and young adult readers, including Marooned in the Arctic, American Hero: The Audie Murphy Story and Petticoat Spies: Six Women Spies of the Civil War. She lives in San Antonio, Texas.

"[A] balanced and readable biography." --Booklist Online "A fascinating, compelling story of a remarkably resilient woman who overcame poverty and racial prejudice to become an international celebrity." --Kirkus Reviews "Baker's story is inspiring enough to provide interesting reading beyond simple report writing. Recommended especially for collections in African American and women's studies, but it may also be useful for history and entertainment buffs in general." --School Library Journal