Today is International Dance Day, a day to "to celebrate dance, revel in the universality of this art form, cross all political, cultural and ethnic barriers, and bring people together with a common language — dance."

We hope you are movin' and groovin' in celebration, but when you need a breather, check out these recommended titles. The list includes both fiction and nonfiction titles for a range of ages, all recommended by The Horn Book Magazine and Guide at the time of their publication; reviews are reprinted from The Horn Book Guide Online. Grade levels are only suggestions; the individual child is the real criterion. You'll also want to read Jill Homan Randall's 2013 article "What Makes a Good Book About Dance?"

For even more, click on the tag dance. Please let us know your favorite dance books, too. We especially want recommendations about dance forms other than ballet!

Picture Books

Ancona, George  Boys Dancing: From School Gym to Theater Stage
48 pp.     Candlewick     2017
Trade ISBN 978-0-7636-8202-6

Follow four boys as they rehearse for the National Dance Institute of New Mexico's multi-school literature-themed recital. Ancona shows the joy, as well as the hard work, discipline, and strength of this art form. Large color photos of the boys at practice and in costume closely follow the brief, factual narrative. A great (and refreshing) introductory photo-essay about male dancers.

Cline-Ransome, Lesa  My Story, My Dance: Robert Battle's Journey to Alvin Ailey
48 pp.     Simon/Wiseman     2015
Trade ISBN 978-1-4814-2221-5
Ebook ISBN 978-1-4814-2222-2

Illustrated by James E. Ransome. Charting the life and career of dancer Robert Battle, current artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, this especially thorough account relates its subject's childhood inspirations and the intense training required by the art. In the "tradition" of depicting dance with pastels, Ransome's art adds heart and vibrancy to the narrative. A foreword by Robert Battle is included. Reading list, website. Bib.

Copeland, Misty  Firebird: Ballerina Misty Copeland Shows a Young Girl How to Dance like the Firebird
40 pp.     Putnam     2014
Trade ISBN 978-0-399-16615-0

Illustrated by Christopher Myers. In an imagined dialogue, American Ballet Theatre soloist Copeland reassures a disheartened African American ballet student that she also had self-doubts: "darling child, don't you know / you're just where I started." Richly hued collages make the dancers on stage seem to fly. An author's note says that Copeland never saw herself in ballet books; this book encourages aspiring dancers of all colors.

Dempsey, Kristy  A Dance like Starlight: One Ballerina's Dream
32 pp.     Philomel     2014
Trade ISBN 978-0-399-25284-6

Illustrated by Floyd Cooper. A young African American girl longs to be a ballerina, but in the segregated 1950s, she doubts her dream is possible. Seeing ballerina Janet Collins — the first African American to perform at New York's Metropolitan Opera — gives the girl hope for her own future as a dancer. Soft mixed-media paintings, capturing the girl's joy, optimism, and dedication, accompany the spare, lyrical text.

Docampo, Valeria  The Sleeping Beauty
40 pp.     Little Simon     2017
Trade ISBN 978-1-4814-5831-3
Ebook ISBN 978-1-4814-5832-0

Based on the New York City Ballet production choreographed by Peter Martins, after Marius Petipa and George Balanchine. This picture book of the familiar "Sleeping Beauty" fairy tale adds a few details unique to the ballet, such as the famous fairy-tale characters that attend Aurora's wedding. Docampo's illustrations take center stage as her whimsically elongated figures capture the unearthly grace of ballet dancers.

Falconer, Ian  Olivia the Spy
40 pp.     Atheneum/Dlouhy     2017
Trade ISBN 978-1-4814-5795-8
Ebook ISBN 978-1-4814-5796-5

Olivia deduces from eavesdropping that her parents mean to send her to prison. She's relieved, then excited, to learn that the "institution" in question is actually the ballet. Being Olivia, she finds a way to get into more trouble once at the theater. Counterpoint between the dialogue-filled text and expressive mixed-media illustrations makes for a very funny (if just slightly message-y) story.

Federle, Tim  Tommy Can't Stop!
32 pp.     Disney/Hyperion     2015
Trade ISBN 978-1-4231-6917-8

Illustrated by Mark Fearing. Tommy can't stop bopping and bouncing around the house, exhausting his family members, who take turns "tiring Tommy out" (e.g., "mow the lawn — twice"). Despite his reluctance to try tap dancing, Tommy finds that the moves are perfectly suited to his energy. Exaggerated cartoons humorously capture Tommy's happy feet (and exasperated family), while the active-language text matches Tommy's constant motion.

Gravel, Elise  The Cranky Ballerina
32 pp.     HarperCollins/Tegen     2016
Trade ISBN 978-0-06-235124-1

Ada is cranky because going to stupid ballet class is "not her thing." Her sorry attempt at a pirouette sends her straight into Mr. Chop, who teaches karate and likes her style. The writing throughout is note-perfect, featuring omniscient narration used to droll effect. Gravel doesn't squander words, the book design doesn't waste space, and she plants humor in every illustration.

Greenberg, Jan and Jordan, Sandra  Ballet for Martha: Making Appalachian Spring
48 pp.     Roaring Brook/Flash Point/Porter     2010
Trade ISBN 978-1-59643-338-0

Illustrated by Brian Floca. After choreographer Martha Graham asked composer Aaron Copland and sculptor/set designer Isamu Noguchi to collaborate with her on a new ballet, the iconic Appalachian Spring was born. Using spare, concise sentences, the authors echo Graham's approach to dance: nothing's wasted, and in such exactness lies beauty. Floca's fluid, energetic line and watercolor illustrations also reflect the plain boldness of Graham's choreography. Websites. Bib.

Kent, Allegra  Ballerina Gets Ready
40 pp.     Holiday     2016
Trade ISBN 978-0-8234-3563-0

Illustrated by Catherine Stock. In the tradition of Philharmonic Gets Dressed, ballerina Kent takes readers through the twelve hours before showtime. Iris attends company class, a costume fitting, and rehearsals, squeezing in meals, socializing, and a nap in between. At book's end, the curtain lifts, and "The magic begins." Simple text and energetic, loose-lined pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations convey the stresses and pleasures of Iris's busy day.

Kent, Allegra  Ballerina Swan
32 pp.     Holiday     2012
Trade ISBN 978-0-8234-2373-6

Illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully. Sophie the swan tries to join a class of young ballet dancers but is shooed away. Later, a more open-minded teacher welcomes her to class; eventually Sophie earns a part in Swan Lake. McCully captures Sophie's yearning to dance in ballerina Kent's satisfying success story. Readers will appreciate the tale's acknowledgment that while some things come easily to Sophie, others do not.

McClintock, Barbara  Emma and Julia Love Ballet
32 pp.     Scholastic     2016
Trade ISBN 978-0-439-89401-2

McClintock follows young Emma as she goes to her ballet lesson and professional dancer Julia as she attends company class and rehearsals, pointing out similarities in their days ("Both teachers make them work very, very hard"). A lively mix of page layouts keeps the pattern fresh--as do several differences between the characters. This is an engaging and matter-of-factly diverse (Julia is African American) behind-the-curtain look at a ballet dancer's life.

Miller, Tim  Moo Moo in a Tutu
32 pp.     HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray     2017
Trade ISBN 978-0-06-241440-3

Duck Mr. Quackers is skeptical about cow Moo Moo's ambition to become a ballerina. After a brief rehearsal ("It's okay. I'm a quick learner"), the odd-couple friends head to the theater for her (unauthorized and disastrous) onstage debut. With speech bubbles and sound-effects text, bright cartoon-style illustrations, and dynamic panels, this funny comics-influenced picture book will be a hit with Mo Willems fans.

Pace, Anne Marie  Vampirina Ballerina
40 pp.     Hyperion     2012
Trade ISBN 978-1-4231-5753-3

Illustrated by LeUyen Pham. A young vampire begins dance lessons (at night), works hard, perseveres through doubts and missteps, and eventually makes a successful debut performance. Aside from a few vampire-student-specific tips (watch the fangs; don't trip on your cape), Pace's encouraging text reads like an advice book for any young dancer. Pham's illustrations steal the show, offering plenty of visual jokes for both vampire fans and balletomanes.

Peoples-Riley, Daria  This Is It
40 pp.     Greenwillow     2018
Trade ISBN 978-0-06-265776-3

In this rhyming second-person text, a girl with light-brown skin, exuberant red curls, and spindly limbs arrives for a ballet audition. Struck by a case of last-minute nerves, she gets a pep talk from an unexpected advocate — her shadow. In vibrant, digitally assembled sumi ink, gouache, and watercolor collages, the pair twirls and leaps in a lively duet through Manhattan's streets before returning for the audition.

Sandall, Ellie  Everybunny Dance!
32 pp.     McElderry     2017
Trade ISBN 978-1-4814-9822-7
Ebook ISBN 978-1-4814-9823-4

In this exuberant rhyming text, numerous rabbits gather to dance, sing, and play instruments: "Nobody is watching. / Now's the perfect chance. / Ready bunny, steady bunny, / Everybunny dance." Readers will spot a shadowy figure approaching from the edges of the lively illustrations; panic ensues when a fox reveals itself, but the rabbits soon discover the newcomer only wants to join the revels.

Sanders, Rob  Ruby Rose, Big Bravos
40 pp.     HarperCollins/Harper     2017
Trade ISBN 978-0-06-223571-8

Illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi. Busy ballet dancer Ruby Rose is back (Ruby Rose on Her Toes), and this time she and (teddy-bear) dance partner Bearishnikov are putting on a recital in the house. Will the rain keep their audience away? The alliterative language incorporates lots of ballet lingo and speeds the story along at Ruby Rose's active pace; Ohi's digital illustrations capture the girl's dancerly spirit.

Schubert, Leda  Trailblazer: The Story of Ballerina Raven Wilkinson
40 pp.     Little Bee     2018
Trade ISBN 978-1-4998-0592-5

Illustrated by Theodore III Taylor. Following a foreword by ballerina Misty Copeland, Schubert gracefully tells the story of Raven Wilkinson, the first African American ballet dancer to tour with a major company. From 1955–62, Wilkinson danced for Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo but faced prejudice whenever they traveled south. Heavy lines and shadows in the illustrations reinforce how injustice can weigh down even ethereal art such as ballet. Bib., glos.

Singer, Marilyn  Tallulah's Tap Shoes
44 pp.     Clarion     2015
Trade ISBN 978-0-544-23687-5

Illustrated by Alexandra Boiger. "Ballet girl" Tallulah loves dance camp...except for tap class, where she's frustrated and self-conscious about being "the worst student." Then fellow camper Kacie — whose tap skills Tallulah envies — admits her similar struggles in ballet class. Soft watercolor illustrations ably capture the woodland setting, the various dance movements, and both girls' heightened emotions in this relatable tale of learning new things.

Snyder, Laurel  Swan: The Life and Dance of Anna Pavlova
48 pp.     Chronicle     2015
Trade ISBN 978-1-4521-1890-1

Illustrated by Julie Morstad. This lyrical introduction follows ballet great Anna Pavlova (1881–1931) through her training; her roles, particularly her iconic Dying Swan; her growing fame; and her determination to make ballet accessible to everyone. Delicate mixed-media illustrations perfectly suit Anna's grace, capturing her expressiveness with abstracted swan imagery. An author's note provides more straightforward biographical information and highlights Pavlova's legacy as an artist of the people. Bib.

Stanton, Elizabeth Rose  Peddles
40 pp.     Simon/Wiseman     2016
Trade ISBN 978-1-4814-1691-7
Ebook ISBN 978-1-4814-1692-4

Watching a hoedown, Peddles — whose "big ideas" are dismissed by the other pigs — is inspired to dance. The red cowboy boots he finds don't impart skill, but his repeated efforts inspire the other pigs to help. Sitting amid generous white space, gently detailed watercolor and pencil vignettes of Peddles's ideas, both imagined and attempted, adds heart and humor to this different-thinking pig's story.

Tonatiuh, Duncan  Danza!: Amalia Hernández and El Ballet Folklórico de México
40 pp.     Abrams     2017
Trade ISBN 978-1-4197-2532-6
Ebook ISBN 978-1-68335-110-8

Amalia Hernández (1917–2000) traveled throughout Mexico learning about regions' unique histories and traditions in order to incorporate them into dance; in 1952, she founded Mexico's most famous dance company, El Ballet Folklórico de México, which still performs today. Tonatiuh's illustration style, inspired by Mixtec art and with well-chosen photo-collage elements, is particularly resonant with a subject who celebrated Mexican arts and culture. Bib., glos., ind.

Thompson, Lauren  Ballerina Dreams
40 pp.     Feiwel     2007
Trade ISBN 978-0-312-37029-9

Photographs by James Estrin. Five little girls who have cerebral palsy or other muscle disorders make their dream of being ballerinas come true. Straightforward text chronicles physical therapist Joann Ferrara's ballet class, culminating in a dance recital. Photographs of the girls in costume, set against pink backgrounds, show their joy as they experience the glitter and glamour of ballet while also improving physically.

Zuill, Andrea  Dance Is for Everyone
32 pp.     Sterling     2017
Trade ISBN 978-1-4549-2114-1

Enthusiastic new student Tanya — who happens to be an alligator — joins Mrs. Iraina's ballet class. After her show-stopping debut in the original ballet The Legend of the Swamp Queen, Tanya invites her classmates to a special encore performance. Spare text and illustrations starring a surprisingly endearing alligator make for a sweet, funny celebration of inclusiveness and dedication to dance.

 

Primary

Brown, Monica  Lola Levine and the Ballet Scheme
85 pp.     Little     2016
Trade ISBN 978-0-316-25844-9
Ebook ISBN 978-0-316-25845-6

Illustrated by Angela Dominguez. In this third book, Lola is skeptical of pink-clad new girl Bella; they obviously have nothing in common. But some parental-arranged play dates have Lola trying ballet, Bella joining Lola on the soccer field, and the girls bonding over their Latina heritage. Lola's fans will applaud her trying something new and making a friend in the process. Black-and-white illustrations, diary entries, and letters are sprinkled throughout.

dePaola, Tomie and Lewis, Jim  Andy & Sandy and the Big Talent Show
32 pp.     Simon     2017
Trade ISBN 978-1-4814-7947-9
Ebook ISBN 978-1-4814-7948-6

Illustrated by Tomie dePaola. Andy & Sandy series. In this fourth installment, Sandy proposes the friends dance together in a talent show; Andy just has to follow her lead. But when the curtain goes up, Sandy freezes, and it's Andy's turn to lead. Simple page layouts, with few words and easy-to-interpret illustrations, make the text accessible to beginning readers. Andy and Sandy are perfect fictional buddies to encourage youngsters to try new things.

Muncaster, Harriet  Isadora Moon Goes to the Ballet
107 pp.     Random     2018
Trade ISBN 978-0-399-55829-0
Library binding ISBN 978-0-399-55830-6
Paperback ISBN 978-0-399-55831-3
Ebook ISBN 978-0-399-55832-0

Stepping Stone: Isadora Moon series. While on a field trip to the ballet, Isadora loses her magical stuffed bunny. Her search brings Isadora face-to-face with her idol, Tatiana Tutu — who happens to need an understudy for the show. Pink-accented grayscale illustrations play up the humorous contrast between half-fairy, half-vampire Isadora's wacky family and her human school friends, and they communicate Isadora's total comfort in being her one-of-a-kind self.

Shea, Bob  Ballet Cat: The Totally Secret Secret
56 pp.     Disney/Hyperion     2015
Trade ISBN 978-1-4847-1378-5

Ballet Cat only wants to dance, but long-suffering pony Sparkles reluctantly admits, "Sometimes I don't want to play ballet!" Initially gobsmacked, Ballet Cat bounces back with her own secret, but it's a welcome one, leading to a satisfying ending. Shea's first easy reader has an economy of both words and art, and it's funny to boot. The exuberant art is deceptively simple.

Willems, Mo  Elephants Cannot Dance!
64 pp.     Hyperion     2009
Trade ISBN 978-1-4231-1410-9

Elephant & Piggie Book series. Elephant Gerald intones, "Elephants cannot dance." But as it turns out, elephants can try to dance. Even though Gerald can't keep up with Piggie, he has a few (unwitting) moves of his own. Color-coded speech bubbles focus readers' attention on the simple words and expressive illustrations. The easily understood story will provide instant reading success and lots of laughs.

 

Intermediate

Barton, Chris  The Nutcracker Comes to America: How Three Ballet-Loving Brothers Created a Holiday Tradition
40 pp.     Millbrook     2015
Library binding ISBN 978-1-4677-2151-6
Ebook ISBN 978-1-4677-8848-9

Illustrated by Cathy Gendron. Barton's folksy text introduces three Utah brothers, all dancers, who eventually teamed up at the San Francisco Ballet to present the first U.S. production of The Nutcracker, on Christmas Eve 1944. Gendron's art effectively reproduces traditional ballet poses and makes the most of the large trim size. Good for sharing with children after seeing a performance of The Nutcracker.



Copeland, Misty  Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina
186 pp.     Simon/Aladdin    2016
Trade ISBN 978-1-4814-7979-0
Ebook ISBN 978-1-4814-7981-3

With Brandy Colbert. In this adaptation of her adult autobiography, Copeland chronicles her path to becoming a principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre — the first-ever African American ballerina to achieve that distinction. Engaging prose frankly details obstacles to her hard-won success: poverty, family strife, body shame, injury, and, most significantly, racism. An inspiring, approachable memoir of an extraordinary dancer committed to making ballet accessible to all.

Friedman, Lise  Becoming a Ballerina: A Nutcracker Story
48 pp.     Viking     2012
Trade ISBN 978-0-670-01392-0

Photographs by Mary Dowdle. This photo-essay follows young Boston Ballet student Fiona as she auditions for the role of Clara in The Nutcracker, wins the part, and prepares for her performance. Crisp color photographs document the ballet company onstage and behind the scenes. Young dancers will be entranced by the rehearsal, costuming, and staging details; Nutcracker fans will treasure this intimate view of a holiday tradition.

Kuenzler, Lou  The Dragon Dance
268 pp.     Random     2017
Trade ISBN 978-0-553-53782-6
Library binding ISBN 978-0-553-53781-9
Ebook ISBN 978-0-553-53780-2

Illustrated by Kimberley Scott. Princess DisGrace series. In her second term at Tall Towers Princess Academy, awkward and accident-prone Grace is reluctantly preparing for a class ballet performance. The discovery of a baby dragon leads kindhearted Grace — with the help of a young servant girl — to save both the dragon and the show. Grace's princess-school dramas, humorously depicted in the generous black-and-white illustrations, have sure appeal for princess-obsessed readers.

van der Linde, Laurel  So, You Want to Be a Dancer?: The Ultimate Guide to Exploring the Dance Industry
200 pp.     Simon/Aladdin/Beyond Words     2015
Trade ISBN 978-1-58270-451-7
Paperback ISBN 978-1-58270-450-0
Ebook ISBN 978-1-4424-9929-4

Be What You Want series. Van der Linde begins with an overview of Western dance styles (emphasizing ballet) and their requirements for professional dancers. The accessible text thoroughly covers backstage logistics, the pros and cons of a dance degree, non-performing careers in the industry (such as dance critic and costumer), and second careers. Interspersed interviews and sidebars add valuable information. Extensive resources appended. Websites. Bib., glos.

Williams, Ann-Marie  Learn to Speak Dance: A Guide to Creating, Performing, & Promoting Your Moves
96 pp.     Owlkids     2011
Trade ISBN 978-1-926818-88-7
Paperback ISBN 978-1-926818-89-4

Illustrated by Jeff Kulak. This DIY guide gives a brief introduction to dance as a hobby or career. Topics range from choreography and performance to self-promotion and landing gigs. Sophisticated concepts and accurate terminology are presented clearly and accessibly. Quotes from established dancers/choreographers, recommended videos, and an appended overview of nine dance styles encourage further exploration. Angular spot art illustrates the text. Ind.

 

Older

Charaipotra, Sona and Clayton, Dhonielle  Tiny Pretty Things
438 pp.     HarperTeen     2015
Trade ISBN 978-0-06-234239-3

At the prestigious American Ballet Conservatory, competition is cutthroat. New girl Gigi, queen bee Bette, and often-overlooked June alternate first-person narration of this tale of dancers betraying, manipulating, intimidating, and even maiming one other to get starring roles. A diverse cast, issues of cultural and sexual identity, and body image struggles add some depth to this high-drama — and highly entertaining — ballet thriller.

Crosshill, Tom  The Cat King of Havana
360 pp.     HarperCollins/Tegen     2016
Trade ISBN 978-0-06-242283-5
Ebook ISBN 978-0-06-242285-9

After being dumped due to his singular focus, self-proclaimed "cat video tycoon" Rick Gutiérrez takes up salsa dancing. To impress Ana, his fellow dancer/rebound crush, he takes her to Havana to visit his estranged family and study salsa. Rick's snarky voice, self-aware awkwardness, and (surprisingly relevant) internet savvy humorously balance the story's complex and poignant explorations of identity, romantic relationships, family, class, and politics.

DeAngelis, Audrey and DeAngelis, Gina  Hip-Hop Dance
112 pp.     ABDO/Essential Library     2017
Library binding ISBN 978-1-5321-1028-3
Ebook ISBN 978-1-6807-8813-6

Hip-Hop Insider series. This title, ideal for student research, explores hip-hop dance in historical, political, and cultural context. The clean layout employs a large font, wide margins, plentiful color photos, and informative sidebars. Overall, this series celebrates hip-hop as the voice of urban and marginalized populations while also objectively addressing concerns such as commercialization. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind.

DePrince, Michaela  Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina
249 pp.     Knopf     2014
Trade ISBN 978-0-385-75511-5
Ebook ISBN 978-0-385-75513-9

With Elaine DePrince. This inspirational memoir traces Michaela's journey from an orphanage in war-ravaged Sierra Leone through her adoption by an American couple to her rising ballet stardom (appearing in the documentary First Position; joining the Dutch National Ballet). Throughout, the daughter-and-mom writing team emphasizes how important optimism, love, and perseverance were to Michaela's success. Striking textual imagery heightens the immediacy of Michaela's experiences, whether tragic or triumphant.

Holmes, Kathryn  How It Feels to Fly
362 pp.     HarperTeen     2016
Trade ISBN 978-0-06-238734-9

Struggling with anorexia and panic attacks, dancer Sam attends "Perform at Your Peak" therapy camp. She bonds with artists and athletes with similar issues; learns coping mechanisms; misguidedly pursues a crush on a counselor; and gradually redefines her beliefs and goals. A realistic, relatable examination of the painful consequences pressure and perfectionism can have for ambitious teens — with some potential paths to healing.

Katz, Nikki  The Midnight Dance
313 pp.     Feiwel/Swoon     2017
Trade ISBN 978-1-250-12371-8
Ebook ISBN 978-1-250-12372-5

At an isolated Italian estate, seventeen-year-old Penny attends finishing school and dances ballet with eleven other young women who are all devoted to their benefactor, Master. But when Penny discovers Master has tampered with their memories, she must save herself and the others. Penny is a resilient heroine, and the isolated school, doll-like pupils, and Master's controlling character create a perfectly creepy atmosphere.

Keyser, Amber J.  Pointe, Claw
278 pp.     Carolrhoda Lab     2017
Trade ISBN 978-1-4677-7591-5
Ebook ISBN 978-1-5124-0895-9

Childhood best friends until they were caught experimenting sexually and were traumatically separated, Dawn and Jessie reconnect just as they begin to experience parallel dissociative episodes: Dawn in animalistic fugue states, ballet dancer Jessie taken over by an experimental, visceral choreography. Assured, immediate prose relates the freedom the girls discover in dissociation and the profound belonging they find in one another; ultimately, they're led to another wrenching parting.

Kiem, Elizabeth  Hider, Seeker, Secret Keeper
259 pp.     Soho Teen     2014
Trade ISBN 978-1-61695-412-3
Ebook ISBN 978-1-61695-413-0

A Bolshoi Ballet soloist is attacked; corps member Lana replaces her in shows at Lincoln Center. This big break casts suspicion on Lana — especially when attacks continue in NYC. While investigating, Lana uncovers family secrets (mother Marina is the protagonist of Daughter, Dancer, Traitor, Spy). Passionate about dance but blisteringly cynical about the scandal-riddled Bolshoi, Lana makes a complex narrator for this ballet-themed thriller. Glos.

Longo, Jennifer  Up to This Pointe
361 pp.     Random     2016
Trade ISBN 978-0-553-53767-3
Library binding ISBN 978-0-553-53768-0
Ebook ISBN 978-0-553-53769-7

Harper and her best friend planned to join the San Francisco Ballet. But when things don't go according to plan, Harper finds herself on an Antarctic research base. Chapters alternately relate Harper's time in Antarctica and, beginning "140 days ago," events leading to her current situation. Lighter subplots, including one involving a rival beaux, temper the poignancy of this affecting novel.

Myers, Walter Dean  Juba!
202 pp.     HarperCollins/Amistad     2015
Trade ISBN 978-0-06-211271-2

Myers's posthumously published novel imagines the life of legendary African American dancer William Henry Lane (approx. 1825–1854), better known as Juba, who toured Great Britain with minstrel group The Serenaders. Myers confronts head-on the racial realities of the pre–Emancipation Proclamation era. Appended are an epilogue clarifying fact from fiction and a note about Myers's research methods written by wife Constance Myers. Timeline.

Suma, Nova Ren  The Walls Around Us
321 pp.     Algonquin     2015
Trade ISBN 978-1-61620-372-6
Ebook ISBN 978-1-61620-486-0

"Bloody Ballerina" Orianna Speerling, fifteen, is convicted of murdering two rival dancers. A month after her sentence begins, all forty-two girls at the detention center die in an unexplained mass killing. Ori's story is revealed through unreliable narrators Violet, Ori's best friend and fellow dancer, and Amber, another inmate. Lyrical, authoritative prose weaves the three girls' disparate lives into a single, spellbinding narrative.

Venkatraman, Padma  A Time to Dance
312 pp.      Penguin/Paulsen      2014
Trade ISBN 978-0-399-25710-0

This free-verse novel set in contemporary India stars Veda, a teenage Bharatanatyam dancer. After a tragic accident, one of Veda's legs must be amputated below the knee. Veda tries a series of customized prosthetic legs, determined to return to dancing as soon as possible. Brief lines, powerful images, and motifs of sound communicate Veda's struggle to accept her changed body.