Several years ago, a young man known as Savion began appearing on the TV program Sesame Street to show “the joys of tap” to Elmo and Big Bird. At age 18, he was already beginning to establish himself as one of the greats in the field. He had appeared on Broadway at the age of 12 in the title role of The Tap Dance Kid . At age 21, he followed his Tony‑nominated performance in Black and Blue by co‑starring with Gregory Hines in Jelly’s Last Jam . Five years later, Savion won a Tony Award for his dancing and choreography in Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk , a dynamic, unflinching production that pays tribute to the history of tap and the African American experience. Can a book even contain this unique genius? In parallel narratives, Glover and Murphy succeed in conveying the incredible career and philosophy of the person who has taken dance to a new level, who hits harder and lower than anyone else, and who respects his forebears by dancing their stories along with his own. Their collaborative effort might well be the one of the most excitingly designed, visually attractive volumes of the year. Paula Kelly’s surprising design uses black, red, and white and varied font size and placement. Abundant photos, including close‑ups and images cropped at unexpected angles, suggest the electricity of Savion as he taps. (Ages 10‑16)

Born to save tap

Fuh-duh-BAP! Fuh-duh-duh-BAP! A new language, a new sound. Savion Glover has redefined tap dancing, and it can never be the same again. He speaks to the world with a power and ease that has stunned and captivated millions. This exciting biography captures that essence--often in Glover's own voice--and treats readers to an inside look at his work while also providing a brief yet compelling history of tap dancing. Reverberating with the rhythm of a unique musical language, the book includes more than 50 photographs and features an eye-catching two-color design.

Foreword by Gregory Hines
Fuh-duh-BAP! Fuh-duh-duh-BAP! A new language, a new sound. Savion Glover has redefined tap dancing, and it can never be the same again. He speaks to the world with a power and ease that has stunned and captivated millions. This exciting biography captures that essence--often in Glover's own voice--and treats readers to an inside look at his work while also providing a brief yet compelling history of tap dancing. Reverberating with the rhythm of a unique musical language, the book includes over fifty photographs and features an eye-catching two-color design. All ages.

"He's the greatest tap dancer to ever lace up a pair of Capezios or any other tap shoes."-- Gregory Hines in the Foreword to Savion: My Life in Tap

2001 Best Books for Young Adults (ALA)

Foreword by Gregory Hines
Fuh-duh-BAP! Fuh-duh-duh-BAP! A new language, a new sound. Savion Glover has redefined tap dancing, and it can never be the same again. He speaks to the world with a power and ease that has stunned and captivated millions. This exciting biography captures that essence--often in Glover's own voice--and treats readers to an inside look at his work while also providing a brief yet compelling history of tap dancing. Reverberating with the rhythm of a unique musical language, the book includes over fifty photographs and features an eye-catching two-color design. All ages.

"He's the greatest tap dancer to ever lace up a pair of Capezios or any other tap shoes."--Gregory Hines in the Foreword to Savion: My Life in Tap