Ballet Breakdown

September 1, 2018

Gr 2-4-Jada's family has moved to New Jersey, but she misses Philadelphia; the city, her friends, and, most of all, the dance academy where she learned ballet. Jada is nevertheless impressed with her new studio and teacher, Ms. Marianne. Jada tries her best and makes it on the dance team, then meets fellow teammates Grace, Gabby, and Brie. However, Jada's negative attitude about her new home distracts from her practice and culminates in an injury that threatens to end her dancing. Jada's supportive parents encourage her to be positive, and once she takes their advice, everything falls into place. Dance enthusiasts will appreciate the details on ballet positions and steps throughout the text as well as the included glossary of terms. Readers starting on chapter books but not quite ready for Sheryl Berks's "Dance Divas" will gravitate towards this new series. Almon's illustrations depict Jada and her family as black. VERDICT This sports series is one that aspiring dancers will appreciate.-Tara Kehoe, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, Charlotte, NC

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2018
Grades 3-6 The new girl at the dance studio learns to fit in in this approachable chapter book. African American Jada loved her dance team back in Philadelphia, where she participated in different types of dance and excelled in ballet. She earns a spot on a new competition dance team in New Jersey, but she finds it hard to fit in with her teammates. The other girls already have history and inside jokes together, and Jada doesn't want to seem like she's butting in. As a result, the other girls find her distant. Jada is further alienated when she practices too hard and sprains her ankle mere weeks before the first dance competition. Her teammates' encouragement gives Jada a new perspective, however, along with the will to become part of the team. Jada's loneliness, as well as her initial descent into anger and pessimism after her injury, is refreshingly and realistically portrayed. So are the miscommunications and second-guessing that can stunt the formation of new friendships. An encouraging series starter for dance fans.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)