Jennifer Jones

Real stories and real feedback on what should be said, what should be kept to yourself, and what can be done when trying to support someone you care about as they navigate loss. Breaking Sad helps us start conversations through its pages of personal stories and suggestions from everyday survivors - bringing us all to a place where we can more comfortably offer support and caring to people when they need it most. Featuring stories from Montel Williams, Olivia Newton-John, Scott Hamilton, Giuliana Rancic, Valerie Harper, and more!

The first African American Rockette charts her journey to one of the world's most celebrated dance troupes in this gripping memoir that, for the first time, goes behind the velvet curtains at Radio City's legendary holiday show. "Smashing through glass windows and paving the way for others requires a special blend of bravery and perseverance. Being a pioneer involves breaking down stubborn barriers, challenging closed-minded people and navigating through instances of racism and prejudice. This journey often included facing ongoing resistance from individuals who were unwilling to embrace change. It's believing in your dream--that you can be and do whatever it is that you love."--Jennifer JonesThe Radio City Rockettes are as American as baseball, hot dogs, and the Fourth of July. Their legendary synchronized leg kicks, precise lines, and megawatt smiles have charmed audiences for a century. But there is a hidden side to this illustrious national institution. When the Rockettes began in 1925, Black people were not allowed to dance on stage with white people. However, during the Civil Rights Movement, dance history changed significantly when Black and white dancers were permitted to perform together, marking a moment of progress and inclusivity in the world of dance and entertainment. Even so, as late as the early 1980s, Rockette director Violet Holmes said having "one or two Black girls in the line would definitely distract."In 1987 the 63-year color barrier at Radio City was finally broken by one brave and tenacious woman. When she arrived, Jennifer Jones was met with pushback--a fierce resistance she details in this intimate and inspiring memoir. After overcoming seemingly impossible odds to join the line of The Rockettes, a PR director summoned the Black dancer to her hotel room and announced, "You're old news, nobody cares about you, your story or anything about you. You're just lucky to be here."Those words would haunt this shy, insecure biracial woman, who had always felt like an outsider.Like Gelsey Kirkland's iconic Dancing on My Grave, Becoming Spectacular allows us to walk in Jones' tap shoes--beautiful and glittering, yet painful and binding. Bringing into focus the wounded life of a trailblazer, this searing memoir is also a triumphant celebration of a spirit who refused to be counted out.

No stone is left unturned in this no-holds-barred memoir by one of Canada's greatest curlers From the first slides as a toddler at her hometown Winnipeg curling club to the top step of the Olympic podium, Jennifer Jones has risen to become one of curling's greatest players. Along the way, she has altered how the game is played and has kicked open doors to allow women to have equality in what was, traditionally, a male-dominated field. Her record of achievement is unmatched, but it never came easily. In Rock Star, Jones opens up about the tensions between teammates and opponents, how she combined law school and a legal career with curling at the highest level, the inside story on what many consider the greatest shot in curling history, how her Olympic dream almost ended on a ski hill in Switzerland, and the challenges of balancing world-class curling with motherhood. Jones also reveals the personal battles she endured during her career. While she was front and centre in arenas and television coverage, she had to push herself past her severe introversion to find some level of comfort with being in the spotlight. There were also clashes with the media, which sometimes portrayed her so harshly that it left her in tears. From first slide to last rock, the journey she shares in this memoir is one that may surprise even her biggest fans. Jones helped to grow the sport, and in exchange, she grew as a curler, a wife, a mother, and a public figure. Equal parts inspiring and shocking, Rock Star will leave readers in awe of her accomplishments and the journey that led her to become the person she is today.

Daddy's eyes don't see, but he can still read to me. In My Daddy Reads in the Dark, a young child embarks on daily adventures with her blind father. Their everyday experiences showcase the joy and comfort of their sweet bond. This heartwarming story celebrates the unique qualities that make us all special, fostering empathy and acceptance for people of all abilities. Jennifer Jones, inspired by her own experiences growing up with a visually impaired parent, has crafted a touching tribute to her father that will resonate with other children in her shoes. With this book, she aims to create a world where kids feel comfortable with and accepting of those with disabilities by emphasizing the importance of showing kindness and respect to everyone.

Welcome to Book Hospital, the funniest ward in school When ripped pages, bent spines, and crayon-covered covers start piling up in the classroom, the students have to make do without their handy crayons. Along the way they discover: *Respect-for stories, supplies, and each other*Responsibility-little actions (like sticky fingers) have big consequences*Repair-apologies, thank-you notes, and gentle hands can make things rightPacked with playful rhymes, laugh-out-loud "medical" puns, and bright, whimsical illustrations, Book Hospital turns an everyday classroom mess into a heart-warming lesson about caring for the things-and people-we love. Perfect for ages 4-8, teachers' shelves, and anyone who's ever said "Sorry " with a glue stick.

Every Instrument Deserves to Be HeardIn a classroom alive with music and mayhem, the instruments have had enough Tired of being banged, kicked, and ignored, the flutes, drums, and guitars decide it's time for a strike. But when silence fills the music room and the instruments vanish without a trace, the kids quickly realize just how much they miss their melodious friends.Told in playful rhyme and brought to life with imaginative illustrations, Instruments On Strike is a funny, heartfelt tale that teaches children the importance of respect, teamwork, and empathy. As the students rally to apologize and make things right, readers learn that every voice-and every instrument-deserves to be heard, valued, and treated with care.Perfect for classrooms, music teachers, and young readers who love a good laugh (and a great comeback story), this book strikes the right chord with anyone who's ever needed a second chance.

A playful rhyming story that teaches kids the importance of caring for their crayons.In a classroom bursting with creativity, the crayons are worn out from endless coloring, broken tips, and peeled wrappers. When they've had enough, they take a trip to the Crayon Hospital for some much-needed care. As the crayons rest and recover, the children learn valuable lessons about appreciation, responsibility, and making things right.Perfect for classrooms, libraries, and young artists who love their supplies (maybe a little too much ), Crayon Hospital mixes humor and heart to gently remind kids to treat their tools with kindness.Ideal for ages 4-8, classrooms, and back-to-school season, this story inspires empathy, responsibility, and a splash of laughter on every page.

The first African American Rockette charts her journey to one of the world's most celebrated dance troupes in this gripping memoir that, for the first time, goes behind the velvet curtains at Radio City's legendary holiday show. "Smashing through glass windows and paving the way for others requires a special blend of bravery and perseverance. Being a pioneer involves breaking down stubborn barriers, challenging closed-minded people and navigating through instances of racism and prejudice. This journey often included facing ongoing resistance from individuals who were unwilling to embrace change. It's believing in your dream--that you can be and do whatever it is that you love."--Jennifer JonesThe Radio City Rockettes are as American as baseball, hot dogs, and the Fourth of July. Their legendary synchronized leg kicks, precise lines, and megawatt smiles have charmed audiences for a century. But there is a hidden side to this illustrious national institution. When the Rockettes began in 1925, Black people were not allowed to dance on stage with white people. However, during the Civil Rights Movement, dance history changed significantly when Black and white dancers were permitted to perform together, marking a moment of progress and inclusivity in the world of dance and entertainment. Even so, as late as the early 1980s, Rockette director Violet Holmes said having "one or two Black girls in the line would definitely distract."In 1987 the 63-year color barrier at Radio City was finally broken by one brave and tenacious woman. When she arrived, Jennifer Jones was met with pushback--a fierce resistance she details in this intimate and inspiring memoir. After overcoming seemingly impossible odds to join the line of The Rockettes, a PR director summoned the Black dancer to her hotel room and announced, "You're old news, nobody cares about you, your story or anything about you. You're just lucky to be here."Those words would haunt this shy, insecure biracial woman, who had always felt like an outsider.Like Gelsey Kirkland's iconic Dancing on My Grave, Becoming Spectacular allows us to walk in Jones' tap shoes--beautiful and glittering, yet painful and binding. Bringing into focus the wounded life of a trailblazer, this searing memoir is also a triumphant celebration of a spirit who refused to be counted out.

Teaches kindness to all people and things. A hilarious, rhyming, read aloud book that's perfect for the first or any day of school.The classroom headphones have had enough Far in the corner of the classroom, Some special school supplies stay, They're the trusty classroom headphones, But things aren't going their way.Buy this book for a good laugh, nighttime snuggle, or your favorite teacher.=====