From Publishers Weekly
"Grace was a girl who loved stories." Empowered by the strength of her imagination and the love of her mother and Nana, this dramatic, creative girl constantly adopts roles and identities: Joan of Arc, Anansi the Spider, Hiawatha, Mowgli, Aladdin. When her class plans a presentation of Peter Pan , "Grace knew who she wanted to be." She holds fast despite her classmates' demurrals; Nana, meanwhile, reminds her granddaughter that she can do anything she imagines. When Nana takes Grace to see a famous black ballerina--"from back home in Trinidad"--the determined youngster is aroused by the performance, and wins the role of her dreams. Featuring colloquial dialogue and endearing characters, Hoffman's ( My Grandma Has Black Hair ) tale is truly inspiring. First-timer Birch contributes evocative, carefully detailed watercolor paintings, which add their own share of emotional power and personal passion. Ages 4-8. Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 2-- Grace loves stories, whether she hears them, reads them, or makes them up. Possessed with a marvelous imagination as well as a strong flair for the dramatic, she acts the stories out, always giving herself the most exciting parts. Thus, it is natural when her teacher announces a classroom production of Peter Pan , that Grace wants to play the lead. One classmate says she can't because she's a girl and another says she can't because she's black. When a saddened Grace relates the days events to her mother and grandmother, they tell her she can be anything she wants to, if she puts her mind to it. Inspired by her family's support, her own indomitable spirit, and an excursion to a weekend ballet starring a lovely Trinidadian dancer, Grace shines during her audition, leaving no doubt in anyone's mind as to who will play Peter Pan. Gorgeous watercolor illustrations portraying a determined, talented child and her warm family enhance an excellent text and positive message of self-affirmation. Grace is an amazing girl and this is an amazing book. --Anna DeWind, Milwaukee Public LibraryCopyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews
Grace loves to act out her favorite stories, taking every part from Joan of Arc to Mowgli. But when her class learns that they will be doing Peter Pan, the other kids tell Grace she can't have the lead: Peter's neither black nor a girl. Fortunately, Nana and Ma have contagious confidence in Grace's ability, and at the tryouts the class also agrees that Grace is best. It's easy to catch the wholesomely assertive spirit here--as Binch does, in this excellent debut, with her detailed, realistic watercolors; vibrant Grace almost springs from the page. (Picture book. 4-8) -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Card catalog description
Although a classmate says that she cannot play Peter Pan in the school play because she is black, Grace discovers that she can do anything she sets her mind to do.

FROM OUR EDITORS

Grace loves stories, and with a boundless imagination she acts them all out. One day, her teacher asks who would like to play the lead in the play Peter Pan. Grace eagerly raises her hand, but Raj tells her she isn't a boy, and Natalie tells her she can't because she is black. Nana sets Grace straight: she can do anything she sets her mind to! Grace's talent bursts forth, and she wins the audition hands down. Binch's radiant illustrations add to this inspiring story.

ANNOTATION

Winner, 2001 Texas Review Poetry Prize and Finalist, 2002 Spur Award (Western Writers of America)

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Grace can do or be anything she wants to be! Now Grace￯﾿ﾽs aspirations come to life with paper dolls that make it possible for children￯﾿ﾽand adults￯﾿ﾽto dress her in many of the roles she plays in the best-selling book Amazing Grace. Amazing Grace Paper Dolls will provide children with hours of fun, while at the same time encouraging them to develop confidence and self-esteem. For optimum sales appeal, several enhancements have been included: - A press-out theater trunk for storing the entire wardrobe - A stage backdrop featuring a foil spotlight to show how Grace will look on stage playing any of her many roles - A special page for designing and coloring one￯﾿ﾽs own creations

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

``Grace was a girl who loved stories.'' Empowered by the strength of her imagination and the love of her mother and Nana, this dramatic, creative girl constantly adopts roles and identities: Joan of Arc, Anansi the Spider, Hiawatha, Mowgli, Aladdin. When her class plans a presentation of Peter Pan , ``Grace knew who she wanted to be.'' She holds fast despite her classmates' demurrals; Nana, meanwhile, reminds her granddaughter that she can do anything she imagines. When Nana takes Grace to see a famous black ballerina--``from back home in Trinidad''--the determined youngster is aroused by the performance, and wins the role of her dreams. Featuring colloquial dialogue and endearing characters, Hoffman's ( My Grandma Has Black Hair ) tale is truly inspiring. First-timer Birch contributes evocative, carefully detailed watercolor paintings, which add their own share of emotional power and personal passion. Ages 4-8. (Sept.)

Children's Literature - Marilyn Courtot

Grace dreams of being Peter Pan in the school play. She refuses to let the fact that she is a girl, and also of African American descent, stand in her way. It is a warm wonderful story of girl who reaches beyond stereotyping to achieve her dream.

Children's Literature - Jan Lieberman

Grace loves stories and acting. From Joan of Arc to Hiawatha, she has played them all, at least in her own backyard. When she learns that "Peter Pan" will be her class's next production, she sees herself flying. Her peers don't think she's right for the part. "Peter is a boy." "Peter isn't black." Grace is affected by these comments, but she is not deterred. With her supportive family there is no doubt the Grace can do anything she desires. Ms. Binch's talent for portraiture places this book in a class by itself.

Children's Literature - Mary Quattlebaum

In this story, Grace snags the leading role of Peter Pan and plays it to perfection, despite classmates' warnings that girls and blacks shouldn't try to act that part.

School Library Journal