We all love watching kids dance, whether they are performing after years of practice or discovering movement for the first time. These books about dancing celebrate the passion, dedication and joy that comes from this art form.
Preschool
“Ballet Kids”
by Holly Sterling
Thomas and his friends meet at the dance studio to take lessons from Mr. Elliot, their ballet instructor. The ballet kids get to choose their costumes for a performance of “The Nutcracker.”
“Can You Dance Like a Peacock?”
by Rekha S. Rajan
Discover the amazing ways that animals use movement to communicate! Lighthearted text and vibrant illustrations teach readers how peacocks strut and honeybees waggle, and even invites them to try animal-inspired dance moves!
Elementary School
“Aloha Everything”
by Kaylin Melia George
When Ano begins hula, a storytelling dance form of the Hawaiian people, she learns the true meaning of “aloha.”
“Big Tune: Rise of the Dancehall Prince”
by Alliah L. Agostini
Shane, a boy with big dancing dreams, learns the meaning of courage and community.
“Amy Wu and the Ribbon Dance”
by Kat Zhang
Amy Wu loves to move, so when she sees Chinese ribbon dancing for the first time, she has to try it out. But first she must find the perfect ribbon.
Middle School
“Freestyle: A Graphic Novel”
by Gale Galligan
Cory’s dance crew is getting ready for a major competition. It’s the last one before they graduate eighth grade and go their separate ways for high school, so they must make it count!
“A World of Dancers”
by Ginjer L. Clarke
There’s a whole world of dances out there! Told with simple language and shown with vivid photographs, “A World of Dancers” is perfect for emerging readers curious about fascinating and varied dancers worldwide.
Teen
“I Feed Her to the Beast and the Beast Is Me”
by Jamison Shea
Despite being constantly overlooked in the elite and cutthroat world of the Parisian ballet, Laure Mesny will do anything to prove that a Black girl can take center stage. To level the playing field, Laure ventures deep into the depths of the Catacombs and strikes a deal with a pulsating river of blood.
“Finding Her Edge”
by Jennifer Iacopelli
This book follows elite ice dancer Adriana Russo as she finds herself drawn to both her old dance partner and her new one.
