School Dance [Brinkley Yearbooks]
by Sarah Sax; illus. by the author
Intermediate, Middle School    Knopf    288 pp.
8/25    9780593306963    $21.99
Library ed.  9780593306970    $24.99
Paper ed.  9780593306956    $13.99
e-book ed.  9780593306987    $8.99

In this third installment of the graphic-novel series (Picture Day, rev. 9/23; Tryouts, rev. 7/24), wallflower Milo Castillo steps into the spotlight. Unlike the rest of his family and his dear abuela Dalia (who has recently moved in with them), Milo hates dancing; he believes he is cursed after a series of dance-related disasters. To help Milo prepare for his school’s winter formal, Dalia takes him to a weekly Tejano social dance night, where he begins to relax and enjoy himself. But even though Dalia isn’t allowed to drive her beloved convertible without Milo’s parents present, she takes her car to the dance nights and asks Milo not to tell. A frightening accident reveals the stressful secret and forces Milo to assert himself and confront the discomfort of being stuck between his parents and his grandmother. The story blends a heartfelt, realistic look at intergenerational bonds and middle-school life with some slapstick humor, as Milo’s best friends, Viv (who is managing a crush) and Al (who yearns for snow through a dry winter), offer comic relief and genuine support. The graphic-novel format is effectively utilized, with bold, energetic line work; rich, jewel-toned colors; and well-paced visual spreads. Broader themes of identity development and self-trust are ever-present without being too heavy-handed. By the time the school’s Snowball Soiree arrives, Milo’s confidence has grown, and he is ready to move proudly to his own beat.

From the September/October 2025 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.