Ragtime Tumpie
by Alan Schroeder

One of the most colorful periods in American history is vividly brought to life in this stirring account of Josephine Baker&squo;s childhood. Tumpie, inspired by the vivacious ragtime music of turn-of-the-century St. Louis, dreams of escaping her life on Gratiot Street and becoming a famous honky-tonk dancer. Her determination, pluck, and exuberance will have children clapping, tapping, and rooting for her from the beginning.