Review: Game of Freedom

By Duncan Tonatiuh

New York: Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2023. Informational.

When Mestre Bimba was young, he became fascinated with capoeira—a combination of music, dancing, acrobatics, and fighting—even though it was illegal to play in the streets of Brazil. Wanting to give it a better reputation, he created a new style of capoeira that could be respected like a martial art. Through his persistence and discipline, Mestre Bimba was able to elevate capoeira from a game kids played while avoiding the police to a cultural treasure of Brazil. A glossary of Portuguese words follows the story.

This informational picture book tells an inspiring story of resisting oppression. Tonatiuh does not shy away from the history of slavery in Brazil, showing the shadow of enslaved people as a group plays capoeira. As well, the lively images of the capoeiristas make you want to get up and move! This is a great read for anyone intrigued by martial arts or dance.

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