American girls collection

Claudie Wells believes everyone has a talent - everyone except for her. She's growing up in New York City's Harlem neighborhood during the 1920s. Her world is filled with writers and poets, painters and sculptors, actors and dancers, singers and musicians. Claudie wants more than anything to be a person whose imagination can fly instead of a person whose feet are stuck on the ground. She tries dancing, singing, painting, and even baking, but none of those are her talent. When an eviction notice threatens her family, her friends, and the beloved home they share, Claudie has an idea that just might save the day. But to make it work, she'll have to take a chance on herself and find out whether she has the talent it takes to soar. --Inside jacket

8-12

Claudie Wells is growing up in 1920s Harlem and is in awe of the artists all around her. Her father is a talented baker, her mother is a reporter for a renowned newspaper, and her boardinghouse mates include a jazz singer, cornet player, and painter. Claudie dreams of having a special talent all her own but struggles to find her calling. When an eviction notice threatens her beloved home, Claudie takes a risk to pursue an idea that just might turn things around. Her story is richly illustrated and includes an introduction from the author. --

3-4