Middle Grade Review: Dare You to Dance

 

Gracie's excited to dance at a fancy ballet school in New York City for the summer. But she's not sure she has what it takes. She decides to start a rivalry with the best dancer in the class - Sariah in hopes that she will push herself. But at what cost?

My Thoughts: I love reading ballet books - and this graphic novel was great. It takes during the entire summer - from class to final showcase. Of course there are mean girls in the class, but there are also friendships formed. Sariah's aunt used dance and that pushes Sariah forward. By the end of the summer, the two girls form a friendship. I loved how they challenged each other. I hope there's another book featuring next summer.

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A fantastic graphic novel for your school or public library collection - perfect for sporty girls. 

Picture Book Wednesday: Gloria's Promise

 

Gloria is excited to audition for a summer spot at the American Ballet Theater School. Her audition doesn't go exactly has planned - she falls. But she picks herself back up and continues dancing. She's devastated but all hope is not lost.

I love the promise of hard work, determination, and persistence - this book has a great message. I adore the illustrations - they are from the same illustrator as Fancy Nancy. I poured over these illustrations. This book made me want to dance.

Series Spotlight: Ballet Bunnies

The New Class:

Millie can't wait to start ballet classes. When she arrives at the studio, it's clear that some students have been studying for a long time. They aren't nice about her beginning attempts. Millie's not sure she wants to come back to class, but they she meets the ballet bunnies. These bunnies live in the studio and know all the steps. Maybe they can show Millie a few moves. Could her new friends help her enjoy ballet again?

Let's Dance:

The ballet class is going to perform in their very first performance. Millie and the bunnies are so excited. But when the big day arrives, Millie has butterflies in her stomach. She's not sure she can go on. Can the bunnies help calm her nerves in time for the performance?

My Thoughts: This new series is perfect for those who love ballet and animals. I loved the ballet moments; it made me wish I was taking the class along with the students. And of course who could resist ballet bunnies. They're super adorable. We could all do without mean girls in our lives, but they do make for good conflict. I'm looking forward to reading more about Millie and her new friends.

Cover Thoughts: Super Cute!

Source: From my library

Library Recommendation: Grab this new series for your school and public library - highly recommended. 

Review: Friday Night Stage Lights

Brooklyn lives for ballet. Even though her life's changed so much in the past few months, she's hopeful for a spot at Texas School of Arts. She and mother moved when her mother remarried. Now they live in Texas - smack in the middle of football country. She doesn't understand the fascination with football.

But when her dance partner injures himself, she must find a substitute partner - and quickly. She turns to an unlikely source - a football player. Logan makes her a deal, he's willing to learn the steps, but he asks for a favor in return. He wants Brooklyn to learn to appreciate football.

She knows it's never going to happen, but it doesn't hurt to try if it means making her dreams come true.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book - I loved learning about dance. I loved the football moments. I loved how both the football jocks and Brooklyn came to appreciate each other's favorite sport. I liked the family moments, especially those between Brooklyn and Tanner. I loved the support from Brooklyn's friends and how they had her back in the Big Moment. And I loved that ending! 

Cover Thoughts: Love it!
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your school and public libraries.