Barrington Stoke scoops 'enthralling' true story of Josephine Baker by Catherine Johnson

Barrington Stoke has scooped Dance of Resistance, the story of civil rights activist Josephine Baker, by Catherine Johnson. 

Publisher Ailsa Bathgate acquired world rights from Jon Wood at RCW Literary Agency for publication in September 2025. 

Dance of Resistance is the "enthralling" true story of actor, performer and "wartime heroine", Baker. The synopsis reads: "Overcoming the poverty and abuse of her childhood, Josephine grew up to become one of the biggest stars of the early 20th century, particularly adored in her adopted country of France. She used her connections to help the French Resistance in their fight against the Nazis during the Second World War and later became involved with Martin Luther King and the civil rights movement in the US."

Johnson said: "I always wanted to write about Josephine Baker – to say her career was extraordinary is a huge understatement – and I can’t thank Barrington Stoke enough for the opportunity to make her thrilling story accessible to young readers."

Bathgate added: "Josephine Baker’s life story and all she achieved after surviving her deprived childhood is utterly enthralling, and Catherine has done an incredible job of bringing it to life in a way that will capture and hold the attention of our readers. It is captivating, inspiring and thoughtprovoking, just like Josephine herself."