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JÚLIO LEITÃO was born in Luena, Angola, in Africa. He is a choreographer and the founder of Batoto Yetu, an organization based in Harlem, New York, that teaches African dance to children. Júlio has taught dance for more than thirteen years and has received several awards for enriching the lives of children, including the Sesame Street Parents’ Sunny Days Award. He lives in New York City.


PATRICIA KEELER was born in Washington, D.C. When she was little, Patricia wanted to be president of the United States, but she decided instead to become an artist and a writer. Her books include Bebop Books’ CAR WASH and I NEED TO ASK YOU SOMETHING, which she photographed with her husband, Francis McCall. Patricia and Francis live in Hoboken, New Jersey. Keeler also provided the illustrations for AFRICAN DANCE: DRUMBEAT IN OUR FEET.

Guided Reading Guided reading levels were assigned by certified Reading Recovery® teachers and literacy experts using the guidelines identified in Guided Reading and Matching Books to Readers by Irene C. Fountas and Gay Su Pinnell (Heinemann).

Intervention Intervention levels were assigned by certified Reading Recovery® teachers and literacy experts and are intended for use in early intervention and one-on-one tutorial programs, including Reading Recovery® programs. These levels are not officially authorized by Reading Recovery®. Reading Recovery® is a registered servicemark of The Ohio State University.

DRA (Developmental Reading Assessment) The DRA levels were determined using information in the Developmental Reading Assessment Resource Guide by Joetta Beaver (Celebration Press).

All level placements may vary and are subject to revision. Teachers may adjust the assigned levels in accordance with their own evaluations.