Books like Ragtime Tumpie by Alan Schroeder
Tumpie, a young African‑American girl living in the impoverished yet vibrant streets of St. Louis in the early 1900s, yearns for the chance to dance. Her longing and resilience hint at the path that will later lead her to become the celebrated performer Josephine Baker. The novel portrays her determination within the social realities of the time, set against the backdrop of the burgeoning ragtime culture.
Through Tumpie’s eyes, readers glimpse the everyday struggles and spirited energy of the city’s street life, as well as the opportunities that dance—and talent—can bring even under difficult circumstances.
First publish date: 1989
Genre: Children's Fiction/Picture Books
Authors: Alan Schroeder
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