¡olé! Flamenco

Ancona, George, ¡olé! Flamenco, Lee & Low Books, 2010 46 pgs

Summary: The traditionally Spanish dance of the flamenco, is explained through the eyes of a young flamenco dancer in training. Featuring many full page color photos of young flamencos in training as well as traditional flamenco movements and outfits. The history of the flamenco dance and the different elements of the dance are explained thoroughly all the while drawing the reader back to Janira Cordova, a young dancer preparing to dance one of her first flamenco performances. The final dance by Janira Cordova, brings the whole history and story full circle for the reader.

Evaluation: The use of staged photos with candid celebrations of the flamenco helped me to see how textbook described movements would happen in a real flamenco dance. I enjoyed hearing the history of the flamenco and how it is continuing to be taught to keep the culture alive. The visual aspect of this book was necessary to make a complex aspect of a complex culture more understandable. This would be a great book to use to highlight different cultural practices.

Annotation: Learn about the flamenco and all the elements to a colorful tradition.

Significance of Book: This book does a really good job of explaining a cultural tradition in a simple manner.

Genre/subject: nonfiction, cultural traditions

Awards:

National:

• ALA Notable Children's Books: 2011
• Pura Belpre Author Honor: 2011

Why I selected the book: I know a little about the flamenco dance and was interested in learning a bit more. I am always interested in how books explain what can be complex topics in simple formats.

Price: $19.95