Tallchief: America's Prima Ballerina

Tallchief: America's Prima Ballerina is a lyrical picture-book autobiography that captures the early years of Maria Tallchief — the first Native American prima ballerina and the first American-born ballerina to achieve international fame — as told in her own voice with the assistance of Rosemary Wells, whose mother was a ballerina who deeply admired Tallchief. Growing up on the Osage reservation in Oklahoma, Maria discovered her gift for both piano and dance, and when she had to choose between them at age twelve, she chose ballet — a decision that would change American cultural history.

Gary Kelley's gorgeous, softly luminous pastel illustrations make this an exceptional choice for students because it celebrates Native American heritage, women's achievement, and the transformative power of artistic dedication in a beautifully crafted and moving picture book biography.

Publishing Details

Author : Maria Tallchief, Rosemary Wells

Illustrator : Gary Kelley

Author Nationality : United States

Physical Details

Type of Book: Picture

Cover: Softcover

Pages: 32

Size: 11.4 x 9.1 inches

Year Published: 2001

Instructional Details

Reading Grade Level: Kindergarten

Genre: Non-Fiction

Sub-Genre: Autobiography

Theme: Native Americans, Music, Women in History, About POC