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Ira's Shakespeare Dream

By Glenda Armand
Illustrated by Floyd Cooper

Hardcover: $19.95

Paperback: forthcoming

Ebook

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Ira Aldridge dreamed of being on stage one day and performing the great works of William Shakespeare. He spent every chance he had at the local theaters, memorizing each actor's lines. He knew he could be a great Shakespearean actor if only given the chance. But in the early 1800s, only white actors were allowed to perform Shakespeare. Ira's only option was to perform musical numbers at the all-black theater in New York city.

Despite being discouraged by his teacher and father, Ira determinedly pursued his dream and set off to England, the land of Shakespeare. There, Ira 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 throughout Europe.

Illustrated by award-winning artist Floyd Cooper, Ira's Shakespeare Dream is a captivating tribute to the inspiring life of Ira Aldridge, and to the renowned works of William Shakespeare.

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About the Creators

Thumb_thumb Glenda Armand - Author

winner of Lee & Low’s New Voices Award in 2006, worked for many years as a teacher and school librarian in Los Angeles, California. Glenda loves reading about history and is passionate about sharing the stories of enslaved African Americans and little known historical figures. She lives in West Covina, California. Glenda can be found on the web at glenda-armand.com.

Thumb_floyd_cooper_small Floyd Cooper

has been honored four times for his illustrations by the Coretta Scott King Award. Born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, he received a degree in fine arts from the University of Oklahoma. In 1984 Cooper came to New York City to pursue a career as anillustrator of books, and he now lives in Easton, Pennsylvania, with his family.

About This Title

ISBN

Hardcover: 9781620141557

Paperback: 9781643797175

Guided Reading:

U

Lexile:

780L

Interest Level:

Grades 2 - 8

Reading Level:

Grades 4 - 5

Themes

African/African American Interest, Courage, Discrimination, Dreams & Aspirations, Education, Families, Fathers, History, Identity/Self Esteem/Confidence, Informational Text, New York, Overcoming Obstacles, Persistence/Grit, Siblings, Slavery, Tolerance/Acceptance, United States History, Biography/Memoir, Nonfiction, Optimism/Enthusiasm, Pride

Part of These Collections

Art and The Arts Collection , Civil Rights Book Collection, Black History Collection Grades 3-6, High-Low Books for Preteens (Grades 4-6), Nonfiction Grades 3-6, African American English Collection Grades 3-6, Social and Emotional Learning Collection, Social Activism Collection, Teaching about Slavery Collection, Juneteenth Webinar Collection, Reconstruction Webinar Collection High-Low Books for Teens: Middle and High School,