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.