Ready to Fly: How Sylvia Townsend Became the Bookmobile Ballerina
by Lea Lyon, Alexandria LaFaye
HarperCollins 2020
Challenging read for K–3rd grade
Reading level 4.1 (4th grade) is above the ages 5–9 interest range
Themes include racism and segregation
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- perseverance
- racism and segregation
- love of reading
- mentorship
- following your dreams
- arts and creativity
- self-reliance
- community support
About this book
This inspiring picture-book biography follows Sylvia Townsend, an African American girl in the 1950s who longs to dance ballet after seeing Swan Lake on TV. Turned away from many studios, Sylvia finds help in an unexpected place: the local bookmobile, where a caring librarian guides her to books that become her teachers. With lyrical text and bright illustrations, the story celebrates determination, the power of books, and the people who open doors. Perfect for young readers who love dance or true stories about perseverance and big dreams.
Setting: United States, 1950s (segregated communities; a neighborhood served by a bookmobile)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ready to Fly: How Sylvia Townsend Became the Bookmobile Ballerina right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Ready to Fly: How Sylvia Townsend Became the Bookmobile Ballerina. The reading level is AR 4.1, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include perseverance, racism and segregation, love of reading.
How long does it take to read Ready to Fly: How Sylvia Townsend Became the Bookmobile Ballerina?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Ready to Fly: How Sylvia Townsend Became the Bookmobile Ballerina takes around 9m to finish. The book has 1,300 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Ready to Fly: How Sylvia Townsend Became the Bookmobile Ballerina have an AR quiz?
Yes — Ready to Fly: How Sylvia Townsend Became the Bookmobile Ballerina has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Ready to Fly: How Sylvia Townsend Became the Bookmobile Ballerina?
Ready to Fly: How Sylvia Townsend Became the Bookmobile Ballerina has an AR reading level of 4.1, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.