The Cambodian Dancer

July 1, 2015

K-Gr 2-This is a simplistic telling of the true story of Sophany Bay, a Cambodian dancer and refugee. Sophany learned the dance passed down through the generations in Cambodia, and the dance made her feel alive. She was a wonderful dancer who performed for the King of Cambodia and made her living teaching young Cambodian girls the dance of their heritage. However, "bad men took over the land" and took away all the joy and culture the people held dear. Sophany was fortunate enough to find solace in the United States, where she saw young Cambodians growing up without knowing their heritage, without the dance. It was then that she began teaching the dance again, and it is the dance she still teaches to this day. The textured, mixed-media illustrations add intrigue to the story told in simple sentences. They convey emotion and provide context for the diluted history provided. An author's note offers slightly more background on the real Sophany Bay and Khmer Rouge takeover. VERDICT A general purchase for libraries needing picture books on Cambodian culture and history and those looking to diversify their shelves.-Brittany Staszak, St. Charles Public Library, IL

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 15, 2015
Grades K-2 Trained as a child, acclaimed performer of classical Cambodian dance Sophany Bay learned early how to move her hands and arms, where to put her feet, how to tilt her head, and how to find energy and happiness through dance. She became famous, taught promising young students, and eventually danced for the king of Cambodia. But when the tyrannical Khmer Rouge overthrew the kinga scene artfully rendered in silhouettes and images of traditional shadow puppetsthey abolished traditional arts, and Sophany retreated to secrecy and silence. Later, after Sophany fled to the U.S., she became a strong advocate for Cambodian refugees and inspired a new generation to find energy, happiness, and beauty through traditional dance. Hale's multimedia illustrations show dancers in classic poses wearing happy, serene faces, while cleverly interwoven iconic elements, such as costumes and relief sculptures, highlight Cambodian culture. This fictionalized story of hope and resilience, inspired by Sophany's experiences and retold in Khmer on the endpapers, will speak to young readers while introducing them to Cambodian culture and recent history.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)