Additional information
by Glenda Armand (Author), Floyd Cooper (Illustrator)
This new entry in the innovative "Story" line of chapter-book biographies features Ira Aldridge, an African American actor considered one of the greatest Shakespearean performers of the nineteenth century, and an outspoken advocate for the abolitionist movement in the United States.
Ira Aldridge dreamed of being on stage, performing the great works of William Shakespeare. He spent every chance he got at the local theaters, memorizing each actor's lines for all of the great plays. Ira knew he could be a famous performer if given the chance. But in the early 1800s, only white actors were allowed to perform Shakespeare. African American actors had to play in musicals at the all-black theater in New York City.
Despite the discouragement of his teacher and father, Ira determinedly pursued his dream and set off for England, the land of Shakespeare. There he honed his acting skills and eventually performed at the acclaimed Theatre Royal Haymarket. Through perseverance and determination, Ira became one of the most celebrated Shakespearean actors in Europe, and a public supporter of the abolitionist movement.
This chapter book edition includes black-and-white illustrations as well as sidebars on related subjects, a timeline, a glossary, and recommended reading.
Check out the other titles in this series:
THE STORY OF ALL-STAR ATHLETE JIM THORPE - THE STORY OF BANKER OF THE PEOPLE MUHAMMAD YUNUS - THE STORY OF CAR ENGINEER SOICHIRO HONDA - THE STORY OF CIVIL RIGHTS HERO JOHN LEWIS - THE STORY OF MOVIE STAR ANNA MAY WONG - THE STORY OF OLYMPIC SWIMMER DUKE KAHANAMOKU - THE STORY OF CIVIL WAR HERO ROBERT SMALLS - THE STORY OF OLYMPIC DIVER SAMMY LEE - THE STORY OF TENNIS CHAMPION ARTHUR ASHE - THE STORY OF TRAILBLAZING ACTOR IRA ALDRIDGE - THE STORY OF ENVIRONMENTALIST WANGARI MAATHAI - THE STORY OF WORLD WAR II HERO IRENA SENDLER
Author Biography
Glenda Armand is the author of many picture and chapter books. She won Lee & Low's New Voices Award for the manuscript Love Twelve Miles Long. Glenda has had a long career as a teacher and school librarian. She loves reading about history and is passionate about sharing the stories of important but little-known historical figures. She lives in Los Angeles, California. To learn more, visit glenda-armand.com.
Floyd Cooper was a celebrated illustrator and author of nearly one hundred children's books. As a picture book creator, he strived to shed light on chapters of African American history that he felt weren't taught enough in classrooms. His works were selected as ALA Notable Children's Books, nominated for the NAACP Image Award, and honored with the Coretta Scott King (CSK) Award. He was awarded a posthumous Caldecott Honor, a CSK Award, and a Sibert Honor for his illustrations in Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre. Cooper passed away in 2021.
