Overview

Step back, step back! Kid Flex 'bout to bust a move. In the 1970s, many said the Bronx was just a pile of rubble, but for a shy kid like Manolo, it was alive with rhythm and music. He grew up with salsa dance parties at home and DJs battling on turntables on the street. Inspired by these new beats and the moves of James Brown, neighborhood boys and girls started dancing with a mix of twists, slides, and shuffles. The rhythm of the Toprock. Drop of the Six-step. Wiggle of the Worm. A new dance style called breaking was on the rise, and Manolo wanted to be a part of it. Debut author Linda J. Acevedo was inspired to write this story from the many b-boys and b-girls whose love of dance propelled them to create an innovative and groundbreaking new form of dance. Coupled with award-winning illustrator Frank Morrison's sinuous and pulsating art, Breaking to the Beat! is an energizing ode to the Boogie Down Bronx and to Hip Hop-a movement that would forever change the course of music, art, and culture.

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9781643796390

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Reviews

"* ""Acevedo and Morrison provide an engaging, gritty, urban retrospective on the role young people played in establishing break dancing and hip-hop...A wonderful story of an important artistic form that, like jazz, emerged from Black and Brown communities."" -- The Horn Book, starred review * ""In this beatific tale, Acevedo serves up a fictional tale rooted in history that pays tribute to young Black and brown breakers. With text full of punchy words and phrases, the author invokes the indelible zest of hip-hop in a way that inspires. Morrison's hazy, graffiti-flavored artwork is spellbinding, with bodies etched in movement that leaps off the pages. An irresistible beat to get readers on their feet."" -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review * ""This joyous celebration of break dancing is a visual treat. Vibrant full-page illustrations pop off pages, perfectly complementing the spare but effective text... Bold, highly defined pictures capture the dancers' elasticity and grace in their ever-increasingly complex moves."" -- Booklist, starred review ""A dazzling mix of spirited text and striking illustrations, this beautifully evokes a time period and the art it gave rise to."" -- The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books"

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"* ""Acevedo and Morrison provide an engaging, gritty, urban retrospective on the role young people played in establishing break dancing and hip-hop...A wonderful story of an important artistic form that, like jazz, emerged from Black and Brown communities."" -- The Horn Book, starred review * ""In this beatific tale, Acevedo serves up a fictional tale rooted in history that pays tribute to young Black and brown breakers. With text full of punchy words and phrases, the author invokes the indelible zest of hip-hop in a way that inspires. Morrison's hazy, graffiti-flavored artwork is spellbinding, with bodies etched in movement that leaps off the pages. An irresistible beat to get readers on their feet."" -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review * ""This joyous celebration of break dancing is a visual treat. Vibrant full-page illustrations pop off pages, perfectly complementing the spare but effective text. . . Bold, highly defined pictures capture the dancers' elasticity and grace in their ever-increasingly complex moves."" -- Booklist, starred review ""A dazzling mix of spirited text and striking illustrations, this beautifully evokes a time period and the art it gave rise to."" -- The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books"

Author Information

Linda J. Acevedo is a New York native who was known to do the toprock and six-step at birthday parties and in her backyard. She is thrilled she gets to share this story about the origins of breaking and Hip Hop with young readers. This marks her authorial debut. You can visit her online at lindajacevedo.com. Frank Morrison has illustrated numerous award-winning books, including the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor winner Little Melba and Her Big Trombone, published by Lee & Low Books. Before becoming an illustrator, Morrison was a graffiti artist and b-boy. Morrison lives with his family in Georgia. You can learn more about him at morrisongraphics.com.

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