Sky Dancers 
By Connie Ann Kirk
Illustrated by Christy Hale
9781584301622
John Cloud's father is a steelworker building skyscrapers in New York City, far away from their home upstate on the Mohawk Reservation. When Papa is home on weekends, John Cloud stays close by his father’s side, helping him with his work.
Between weekends John Cloud misses Papa and longs to visit him in the city. One day Mama agrees to take him there. New York City turns out to be busy and noisy, but what really astonishes John Cloud is seeing Papa on a high cross beam of the Empire State Building, the tallest skyscraper in the world. John Cloud feels as if his heart will burst with pride and amazement as he watches his father dance across the sky.
Set in the early 1930s and based on the history of Mohawk steelworkers, Sky Dancers is a warm celebration of family, courage, and the forces of nature. Sensitively told and stunningly illustrated, this is a story for all ages.
- Awards
-
"Choices"
Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
Children's Books of the Year
Bank Street College
- Interest Level
- Grades K - 4
- Reading Level
- Grades 3 - 4
- Themes
- Environment/Nature, Family Traditions, Fathers, Historical Interest, Native American Interest, Occupations
- Accelerated Reader
- Level: 4.4
Points: .5
Connie Ann Kirk has written several nonfiction books for young readers, including The Mohawks of North America, and is also editing a reference about American children's literature. A descendant of the Iroquois (Seneca), Kirk was inspired to write this story by her father's carpentry work. She researched extensively the Mohawks' role in building the skyscrapers and bridges of New York City and the history of the Empire State Building. Kirk lives in the Finger Lakes Region of New York State with her husband and two sons. Sky Dancers is her first picture book. To find out more about Connie Ann Kirk, visit her Web site: connieannkirk.com
Christy Hale has illustrated several LEE & LOW titles. A graduate of Pratt Institute, she is also a teacher, designer, and fine artist. Born in Massachusetts, she now lives in Palo Alto, California with her husband and their daughter. To find out more about Christy Hale, visit christyhale.com
