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Middle Grade and Chapter Books About Dance

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Middle Grade and Chapter Books About Dance

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Not exactly about connecting to home, but adding this list at the request of a participant looking for middle grade books. Terrific for your classroom library!

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Although I have zero professional dance experience, I love middle-grade books about dance! Sadly, though, new middle-grade books about dance are far and few in between. Often, there's a side character who dances and she has an eating disorder (which happens a lot with ballerinas, but still)! My favorite middle-grade about ballet and dance in general so far has been Paula Chase's Turning Point which comes out next month. I loved it because it focuses on two girls in a summer ballet intensive, and touches on how some Black girls may struggle with ballet because of what society thinks their bodies should look like to dance.

However, in this list of best middle-grade books about dance, I hunted down a few other excellent recommendations. Not all the books here are about ballet - some feature hip-hop, square dancing, and even one about a Mexican dance. The books all feature dancing as a central theme, and protagonists who either love dancing or at least come to appreciate it by the end.

I also included several chapter books about dance for readers ages 6-9. I tried hard to avoid dated books, so I hope you find these picks relevant and diverse enough for your kids. You'll find that many of these titles are part of a series. I've also included an exciting 2021 middle-grade novel about a Native-American ballerina recovering from an injury!

Chapter Books About Dance (Ages 6-9)

Lola Levine and the Ballet Scheme

When new classmate Bella, a ballet dancer, walks into Lola's class at Northland Elementary, all Lola can see is pink everywhere-pink ribbons, a pink sweatshirt, and pink tennis shoes. Yuck! Pink is Lola's least favorite color. Plus, Ballet isn't nearly as hard as soccer, is it?
Lola and Bella can't seem to stop squabbling. But when a mishap during class lands them in Principal Blot's office, Lola's mom comes up with a scheme-a ballet scheme-that just might make these classroom rivals realize that ballerinas and soccer players have more in common than they ever thought possible.
But is it too late for Lola to make a new friend?

Ballet Stars (Step into Reading)

From ballet class to rehearsal for the big show to the final curtsies-budding ballet stars show emergent readers each step and pirouette along the way! This Step 1 story has big type and easy words, rhyme and rhythm, and picture clues and two sheets of irresistably adorable stickers. It's a natural for young readers who are learning ballet or aspire to take ballet classes.

Dancing Queen (Kylie Jean)

Plum Fantastic (Sugar Plum Ballerinas)

Alexandrea Petrakova Johnson does not want to be a beautiful ballerina, and she does not want to leave her friends in Apple Creek. Unfortunately, that doesn't stop her ballet-crazy mother from moving them to Harlem, or from enrolling Al at the Nutcracker School of Ballet. Life is hard when you're the new ballerina on the block, and it's even harder when you're chosen to be the Sugar Plum Fairy in the school recital!

Candy Kisses (JoJo and BowBow Book #2)

There's no holiday like Valentine's Day...
...At least according to JoJo Siwa-candy hearts and frilly tutus are two of her favorite things! This year she's hosting a Valentine's-themed sleepover with BowBow and her friends. (Party time!!!) Best of all, JoJo has a new dance workshop to look forward to, with a big performance at the end. When the news breaks that one dancer will get to shine in a solo, the snarky Queen Bs-Bree, Bahi, and Belle-begin to stir up trouble. Enter, JoJo and BowBow! Can the dazzling duo come up with a plan to hold the drama and deliver each dancer the sweetest Valentine's Day surprise yet?

Ivy and Bean Doomed to Dance (Book 6)

Finally! After begging their parents for ballet lessons, Ivy and Bean finally get what they want...well, not exactly. Much to their surprise, it turns out ballet lessons do not include karate chops and roundhouse kicks to the villain's heart. The girls have no interest in learning how to dance gracefully, but they promised their parents they would finish the entire ballet course! When it comes time for Ivy and Bean to participate in the ocean-themed class recital, the girls must figure out a way to get out of it without breaking their promises.

Amelia Bedelia Chapter Book #8: Amelia Bedelia Dances Off
More Chapter Books for Beginning Readers
Middle-Grade Books About Dance (Ages 8-13)

The Magic in Changing Your Stars (Out October 20, 2020)

Eleven-year-old Ailey Benjamin Lane can dance-so he's certain that he'll land the role of the Scarecrow in his school's production of The Wiz. Unfortunately, a talented classmate and a serious attack of nerves derail his audition: he just stands there, frozen. Deflated and defeated, Ailey confides in his Grampa that he's ready to quit. But Grampa believes in Ailey, and, to encourage him, shares a childhood story. As a boy, Grampa dreamed of becoming a tap dancer; he was so good that the Hollywood star and unofficial Mayor of Harlem, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, even gave him a special pair of tap shoes. Curious, Ailey finds the shoes, tries them on, taps his toes, and makes a wish. In the blink of an eye, he finds himself somewhere that if most definitely no place like home! Featuring an all-African-American cast of characters, and infused with references to black culture and history, this work of magical realism is sure to captivate and inspire readers.

Katarina Ballerina

Ten-year-old Katarina is a New York City girl through and through, but the buzz of the city drives her to feel that she is meant for more than her ordinary day to day routine. Her big dream? To become a prima ballerina.

With the help of a few new friends, Katarina finally puts on her first pair of ballet shoes and she's more than determined to make it work. But her feet don't quite move the way she would like them to, the twirls and spins make her dizzy, and her classmates aren't exactly welcoming. When the head of the dance studio announces that there will be a competition to earn a spot in an upcoming international dance camp, Katarina knows this could be her big chance to make her dancer dreams come true. Does this tiny dancer have what it takes to stand out in the ballet world of blending in?

Poppy's Secret Wish

Ten-year-old Poppy wants nothing more than to advance to the next ballet grade, but when a new girl, Rose, arrives in class and causes her to mess up during class, she is not sure she will be able to move up with her best friend, Jasmine.

Ballet Breakdown (Academy of Dance)

My Seventh Grade Life in Tights

All Dillon wants is to be a real dancer. And if he wins a summer scholarship at Dance-Splosion, he's on his way. The problem? His dad wants him to play football. And Dillon's freestyle crew, the Dizzee Freekz, says that dance studios are for sellouts. His friends want Dillon to kill it at the audition-so he can turn around and tell the studio just how wrong their rules and creativity-strangling ways are.

At first, Dillon's willing to go along with his crew's plan, even convincing one of the snobbiest girls at school to work with him on his technique. But as Dillon's dancing improves, he wonders: what if studios aren't the enemy? And what if he actually has a shot at winning the scholarship?

Dillon's life is about to get crazy . . . on and off the dance floor in this kid-friendly humorous debut by Brooks Benjamin.

Turning Point (Out September 15, 2020)

Best friends Rasheeda and Monique are both good girls. For Sheeda, that means keeping her friends close and following her deeply religious and strict aunt's every rule. For Mo, that means not making waves in the prestigious and mostly White ballet intensive she's been accepted to.

Paula Chase explores the complex and emotional issues that affect many young teens in this novel set in the same neighborhood as her acclaimed So Done and Dough Boys. Friendship, family, finding yourself, and standing your ground are the themes of this universal story that is perfect for fans of Jason Reynolds, Rebecca Stead, and Renée Watson.

What Happens Next (MC's sister is a ballerina)

Astronomy-obsessed Abby McCourt should be thrilled about the solar eclipse her small town of Moose Junction is about to witness, but she's not. After her older sister Blair was sent away for an eating disorder, Abby has been in a funk.

Desperate to dull the pain her sister's absence has left, she teams up with a visiting astronomer to help track down his long-lost telescope. Though this is supposed to take Abby's mind off the distance between her and Blair, what she finds may bring her closer to her sister than she ever thought possible.

Daphne Definitely Doesn't Do Dances

Ballet Bullies (Jake Maddox Girl Sports Stories)

Marissa has always loved dancing. But lately, she feels clumsy and awkward when she dances, and she feels bigger and taller than the other girls. She doesn't even bother trying out for the Rose Fairy ballet. But someone else thinks Marissa has what it takes to play the Rose Fairy!

Lupe Wong Won't Dance (Out September 8, 2020)
My gym shorts burrow into my butt crack like a frightened groundhog.
Lupe Wong is going to be the first female pitcher in the Major Leagues.

Lupe needs an A in all her classes in order to meet her favorite pitcher, Fu Li Hernandez, who's Chinacan/Mexinese just like her. So when the horror that is square dancing rears its head in gym? Obviously she's not gonna let that slide.
More Middle-Grade Sports Books
Ballet Shoes

This beautiful children's classic is perfect for girls who love to dream about ballet, friendship, and finding their own special talents. Adult readers may remember them as the "Shoes" books from You've Got Mail!

Ellie's Chance to Dance

Ten-year-old Ellie Brown is an American girl living in London. For Ellie, ballet isn't just a dream, it's become a way of life. She's danced for almost as long as she can remember and started ballet lessons when she was four. Now Ellie is presented with the opportunity of a lifetime-a chance to audition for a spot to dance with the Royal Ballet. But Ellie knows that even if she won a place, it would mean moving to London and leaving her ill-stricken mother behind with no one to care for her. When the day of the audition finally arrives, Ellie must decide between pursuing her dreams or sacrificing her goals of joining the Royal Ballet to be with her mother. What will Ellie do?

No Ballet Shoes in Syria

Aya is eleven years old and has just arrived in Britain with her mum and baby brother, seeking asylum from war in Syria. When Aya stumbles across a local ballet class, the formidable dance teacher spots her exceptional talent and believes that Aya has the potential to earn a prestigious ballet scholarship. But at the same time, Aya and her family must fight to be allowed to remain in the country, to make a home for themselves and to find Aya's father - separated from the rest of the family during the journey from Syria. With beautiful, captivating writing, wonderfully authentic ballet detail, and an important message championing the rights of refugees, this is classic storytelling - filled with warmth, hope and humanity.

Nutcracked

Georgie has waited for this moment her whole life-to dance the part of Clara in The Nutcracker ballet. And when she finally gets the part, it's like a dream come true. . . .

Literally.

Every time Georgie dances with the Nutcracker doll, she leaves the ballet studio and enters a world where everything around her-the old wooden furniture, the Christmas tree, the carefully wrapped presents-is larger than life. It's so magical, Georgie can't wait to return again and again.

Then the Nutcracker's magic seeps into the real world, putting Georgie's friend in danger. Everything is falling apart, and it's almost Christmas! Can Georgie save her friend, the Nutcracker, and most of all, herself?

Dancing Home

Things aren't easy for Lupe, either. Mexico hadn't felt like home since her father went North to find work. Lupe's hope of seeing him in the United States comforts her some, but learning a new language in a new school is tough. Lupe, as much as Margie, is in need of a friend.

Little by little, the girls' individual steps find the rhythm of one shared dance, and they learn what "home" really means. In the tradition of My Name is Maria Isabel-and simultaneously published in English and in Spanish-Alma Flor Ada and her son Gabriel M. Zubizarreta offer an honest story of family, friendship, and the classic immigrant experience: becoming part of something new, while straying true to who you are.

Out of Step (Jake Maddox JV Girls)

After a big growth spurt, dancer Mercy Smyth feels completely out of step. Her new height has thrown off her center. Now dance moves that used to be easy are challenging and gymnastics skills that were always tricky are nearly impossible. It's going to take a lot of extra work-and money that Mercy doesn't have-to bring her skills back to competition level. Will Mercy ever feel graceful again?

The Audition (Maddie Ziegler Presents, Book 1)

Twelve-year-old Harper has been dancing practically since she could walk. She loves her dance studio and team, and just won her first ever top junior solo in a regional competition. But right before the school year starts, Harper's parents drop a bombshell-the family has to relocate from their cozy town in Connecticut to sunny Florida for their jobs. That means goodbye to her friends, dance team, trips to see shows in NYC-and did she mention dance team?

When she arrives at her new dance school and new team, it feels like everyone has better feet, quicker turns and faster taps than Harper. And it doesn't help that a group of girls, who nicknamed themselves The Bunheads, wonder how the heck she made the team if she can't even do a simple turn sequence in front of the class.

Thankfully, Harper befriends Lily, a fellow newbie in the studio who is just as eager to make her mark and find a friendly face. With a big competition coming up for the dance team, Harper is determined to show everyone-especially those Bunheads-what she's made of. And when a very badly timed injury threatens all of the work they have done, The Bunheads, Lily, and Harper must learn to truly work together to give them their best shot at the top spot!

The Sea in Winter (Out January 5, 2021!)

It's been a hard year for Maisie Cannon, ever since she hurt her leg and could not keep up with her ballet training and auditions.

Her blended family is loving and supportive, but Maisie knows that they just can't understand how hopeless she feels. With everything she's dealing with, Maisie is not excited for their family midwinter road trip along the coast, near the Makah community where her mother grew up.

But soon, Maisie's anxieties and dark moods start to hurt as much as the pain in her knee. How can she keep pretending to be strong when on the inside she feels as roiling and cold as the ocean?

There they are: 25 of the best middle-grade books about dance (and some chapter books too)! We definitely need more dance books for kids, whether they're about ballet or some other kind of dance. Several of these books will only be out in the fall and early next year. I hope you'll pre-order them!
Have you read any of the books on this list? I've read LUPE WONG, TURNING POINT, and just started KATARINA BALLERINA! I love seeing so many Black kids on these covers. I'd love to find more Asian rep in dance books, so if you have any recommendations, please leave them in the comments.
PIN THIS POST - Best Middle-Grade Books About Dance

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25 Best Middle-Grade Books About Dance (Ballet, Hip-Hop, Tap + More)

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Although I have zero professional dance experience, I love middle-grade books about dance! Sadly, though, new middle-grade books about dance are far and few in between. Often, there's a side character who dances and she has an eating disorder (which happens a lot with ballerinas, but still)!

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This is great for students of all ages. A story of a young girl's journey to center stage.

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Not only is this book beautifully rendered in words and pictures, but it uses art to show cause and effect. A perfect symmetry between art and science (STEAM at its finest)... not to mention showing what hard work can accomplish. Simply stunning! - Jennifer K.

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Not only is this book beautifully rendered in words and pictures, but it uses art to show cause and effect. A perfect symmetry between art and science (STEAM at its finest)... not to mention showing what hard work can accomplish. Simply stunning! - Jennifer K.

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Picture Books about "Mighty Girls" who Love to Dance

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Picture Books about "Mighty Girls" who Love to Dance

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6 Children's Books to Inspire Dance On and Off the Stage

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6 Children's Books to Inspire Dance On and Off the Stage

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Dance Teacher magazine - March 2021

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6 New Children's Books to Inspire Dance On and Off the Page

Picture books can offer so much to students, families and teachers alike. Whether inspiring a new dance project or educating about a famous dancer or dance style, books can deepen childrens' love of dance and expand their imaginations.

These six new releases-perfect for preschool and early elementary dance classrooms-are no exception.

Written by Nancy Bo Flood, illustrated by Julianna Swaney

I Will Dance tells the story of a young girl with cerebral palsy, Eva, and her dreams of dancing. Based on Young Dance, an actual physically integrated dance program in St. Paul, Minnesota, the program Eva finds is indeed for dancers of all abilities and dance dreams. Julianna Swaney's paintings portray a diverse classroom of young dancers and convey the energy, enthusiasm and connections made in classes where all dancers find a way to move and express themselves.

"Lights out.

Stop.

Roll to the front.

Spotlight on.

Listen.

Clapping, whistles, and cheers for me,

for all of us,

together:

Not imagine.

Not pretend.

Not alone.

I dance!"

Written and illustrated by Karen Diaz Ensanian

Snow, rain, rivers and geysers. Water takes so many forms and can inspire so many different ways to move. Longtime dance educator Karen Diaz Ensanian wrote and illustrated this playful book to explore the water cycle in classes with elementary-age students. Or, if you teach at a K-8 school, consider a multi-age project bringing together both lower school and middle school students.
"Mist I rise, float, hover. I become light and free.
Can you find another way to move like mist?"

Written by Sabrina Moyle, illustrated by Eunice Moyle

This vibrant board-book uses bright colors, cartoonlike illustrations, alliterative text and rhyming to convey action, joy and dancing. Share the book with little ones in preschool and kindergarten, or explore in a parent-child dance class. Select your favorite moves from the story to make your own animal dance, or ask students to pick out their favorite animal to make a solo.

"Gorillas are gliding.

Those hedgehogs can hustle.

Impressive iguanas just might pull a muscle!"

Written and illustrated by Ross Burach

A book for preschoolers featuring counting and tongue-twisting alliteration, I Love My Tutu Too! introduces a cast of animal characters who-you guessed it-love wearing tutus. The simple storyline gets to the heart of many young dancers who love wearing tutus, whether at home or in a dance class.

"I have TWO tutus!

I can share my blue tutu!

A tutu for me?

A tutu for you!"

Written by Anika Aldamuy Denise, illustrated by Leo Espinosa

A Girl Named Rosita tells the true story of Rita Moreno and her journey from Puerto Rico to the mainland U.S., including her hardship assimilating, learning English and training as a dancer. Readers learn about Moreno's "big break" and her eventually landing the role of Anita in West Side Story, which earned her an Oscar.

"Some days she wants to quit.

But she's come too far to give up.

One day she will play an authentic character who is
bold, proud, strong."
Written by Amanda Malek-Ahmadi, illustrated by Kathrine Gutkovskiy

Malek-Ahmadi uses the classic children's-story structure-first there were 10, then 9, then 8, etc.-to depict a dance class where dancers gradually leave the space. A clever exploration of various dance steps, the story's structure could beautifully translate into a group dance you create with your students in grades K-4. Gutkovskiy's illustrations add delight and connection by showing a diverse group of students in ballet class together.

"Ten ballet dancers warm up at the barre.

Pliés, tendus, dégagés all looking fine.

One chaînés away and now there are...."

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6 New Children's Books to Inspire Dance On and Off the Page - Dance Teacher

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Dance Teacher is designed exclusively for dance educators with advice and inspiration for your teaching practice and your studio business.

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This was shared during our session - what a great resource!

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Oh, I love this new book, Taking Time by Jo Loring-Fisher. "Taking time to listen to a bird's song on the breeze. Taking time to gather up the blossom dancing free." Those are the first two lines in the book.

This expansive book can be explored with a wide range of ages - preschool through fifth grade. Read the book and explore time and all the ways we talk about it in dance, and how we feel time. "Take your time." "All of the time in the world." "Take the time you need."

Explore duration, felt time, an internal sense of time. Play with feeling rushed, hurried. Move very slowly, slow, medium, fast, very fast.

Then, instead of using the exact words of Taking Time, what if each student wrote their own line, riffing off of the book? What if your group dance came from these words and personal connections? (Ex. Taking time to stretch my arms as long as they can be...Taking time to give and receive....)

As for music, may I suggest Michael Wall's composition "Clouded Street Sign?" It is #2 on the album Mix 2. You can listen to it in its entirety here.

I dedicate this post to Joni Urry Wilson at Tanner Dancer in Salt Lake City, who taught me nearly 23 years ago how to take a book and make a magical project with it. Thank you Joni. Her lesson during my Dance for Children course has inspired so many lessons over the years since she first showed us how to use Caretakers of Wonder.

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Oh, I love this new book, Taking Time by Jo Loring-Fisher. "Taking time to listen to a bird's song on the breeze. Taking time to gather up the blossom dancing free." Those are the first two lines in the book. This expansive book can be explored with a wide range of ages - preschool through fifth grade.

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Your Name is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins Bigelow

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Your Name is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins Bigelow

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This is a great book to read when teaching students to be proud of who they are, using their name as a part of their unique identity.

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Tanya and Emily in a Dance for Two by Patricia Lee Gauch

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Tanya and Emily in a Dance for Two by Patricia Lee Gauch

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If you don't have the Tanya dance books, start your collection today! There are SO many! This is a cute book about Tanya and her friend Emily, who is a beautiful ballet dancer. They take a walk through the zoo and dance like the animals. Encourage your students to look at the way different animals move and try to copy them!

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Beautifully inclusive book!

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Dancing Miranda - Baila, Miranda, Baila by Diane de Anda

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Dancing Miranda - Baila, Miranda, Baila by Diane de Anda

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This book is written in both English and Spanish. It is a picture book but the language in the book is more for older students. It is the story of a young dancer who is nervous about dancing on stage because she learns her mother had polio as a child which kept her from dancing.

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This book has wonderful figurative language that inspires movement. Bring it out to read when there is snowfall and encourage students to dance through the snow while walking with their family.

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Goodnight Little Dancer by Jennifer Adams

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Goodnight Little Dancer by Jennifer Adams

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This is a lovely little bedtime book to read to your students. They can share the story at home and talk about ways they can move and stretch before they go to sleep.

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As a kid, dance was my thing. I took every dance class I could, and consumed every book, movie, and television show about dance I could find.

These days my dancing is limited to jamming to Lizzo in my kitchen, but I still love dance as an art form. However, the world of dance and books about dance isn't always a diverse one. Popular culture tends to only focus on certain styles of dance, and only show white dancers.

Dance is an important tradition in many cultures across the world, and dancers come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. These books explore the diverse world of dance, and all of the joy and beauty dance can bring, no matter who you are!

21 Diverse Books About Dance for Kids

Book links are referral links. We may earn a commission (at no additional cost to you) if you make a purchase.

This gorgeous book re-tells The Nutcracker story with a jazzy feel. This version of the classic tale is set during the Harlem Renaissance, and is a great example of how a wonderful story can transcend time, place, and culture.

I recommend this book for kids ages 4 and up. You can also find this book on our list of Diverse Christmas Books.

Get it on IndieBound | Get it on Amazon

This fun retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses is set in the African-American church. Reverend Knight is puzzled by the fact that his 12 sons are wearing out their sneakers day after day. What if he knew that they were up all night dancing, instead of sleeping?

This book is great for reading with kids ages 5 and up.

Get it on IndieBound | Get it on Amazon

This level 3 early reader book explores the life of Misty Copeland, the American Ballet Theatre's first black female principal dancer. You'll learn the struggles Misty faced as she worked to reach her goal, and why she never gave up. Her story is an inspiration to young performers in all areas!

You can also find this book on our list of Books About Amazing Black Women. It's a great choice for beginning readers, and also works as a read aloud for kids ages 4 and up.

Get it on IndieBound | Get it on Amazon

Maria Tallchief was a talented dancer and pianist, but as a member of the Osage Tribe, she was not allowed to dance because she was a woman. For many years, her parents allowed her to pursue her love of dance, but at the age of 12 she was forced to make a difficult choice. A truly captivating story!

This book is great for kids ages 5 and up, and it's also on our list of Books About World-Changing Women.

Get it on IndieBound | Get it on Amazon

Pilar loves dancing ballet more than anything. But when it's time for auditions for her favorite ballet, she's nervous and scared. Her worries distract her and keep her from focusing at school. But finally, she remembers to take a breath and use some coping mechanisms to get through this anxious time. A perfect book for kids who struggle with worrying!

I recommend this book for readers ages 5 and up.

Get it on IndieBound | Get it on Amazon

When Jenna sees a video of Grandma Wolfe dancing at a powwow, she is amazed. She wants to dance at the powwow, just like her grandmother. But, her dress doesn't make the beautiful jingling noise that Grandma Wolfe's does. Jenna's family and members of her community come together to help her make her dress sing.

This book is excellent for sharing with kids ages 6 and up.

Get it on IndieBound | Get it on Amazon

When my boys were babies, they all loved to be held high, spun in a circle, and danced with. This book captures that moment of parental love and joy in a way that kids and adults will want to read again and again.

This board book is perfect for sharing with babies and toddlers.

Get it on IndieBound | Get it on Amazon

Little Lollie just can't sit still! Follow along as she dances her way through bedtime and finally settles down for the night...only to keep dancing in her dreams!

This rhyming picture book is great for preschool-aged kids.

Get it on IndieBound | Get it on Amazon

This book of poetry covers a wide variety of dance styles, from cha-cha to hip hop. The dances and dancers are culturally diverse, and the swing rhymes are a great introduction to poetry for young people.

This book is perfect for sharing with elementary-aged kids.

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In this gorgeous book, the American Ballet Theatre's first black female principal dancer Misty Copeland speaks words of encouragement to a ballet dancer struggling with self-doubt. Her message is a wonderful lesson for all children, especially those who may feel like they don't fit in.

This exquisite book is an excellent choice for school-aged children.

Get it on IndieBound | Get it on Amazon

This Is It by Daria Peoples-Riley

In this story, a young dancer is nervous about an upcoming audition. Her shadow comes to life and guides her through the city, boosting her confidence along the way.

I recommend this rhyming book for kids ages 4 and up.

Get it on IndieBound | Get it on Amazon

Sassy dreams of being a ballerina, but she wonders if she can ever make that dream come true. She's too tall, her feet are too big, and she always speaks her mind. When a famous director comes to her dance class, Sassy works hard to impress him. Can she make an impression by being herself?

This book is loosely based on Debbie Allen's own experiences, and is wonderful for school-aged children.

Get it on IndieBound | Get it on Amazon

A little girl and her brother wake up in the middle of the night to investigate the unusual sounds coming from their kitchen. They find their parents dancing and singing, and they have to join in the fun.

This beautiful story of family love is great for kids ages 3 to 8.

Get it on IndieBound | Get it on Amazon

I have loved watching Michaela DePrince dance since I saw her in the documentary First Position. This early reader book follows her life from an orphanage in Sierra Leone to her career as a professional dancer.

This lovely story is perfect for newly independent readers, and also makes a great read-aloud.

Get it on IndieBound | Get it on Amazon

This book follows a young girl in 1950s Harlem. Life can be hard, and wishes and dreams seem impossible to achieve. But when this young girl sees Janet Collins, the first African-American prima ballerina, her dreams seem a bit closer than they were before.

I recommend this book for kids ages 5 and up.

Get it on IndieBound | Get it on Amazon

Jump, move, shimmy, and shake! This rhyming book follows two dancing children who inspire their whole town to start moving and grooving.

This book is super fun to read with toddlers and preschoolers.

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This upbeat story shows all kinds of kids snapping, swinging, and swaying to the jazzy rhythm! This is a super fun book to read aloud, because it has so much movement and life.

Based on the rhyme of patty cake, this book is perfect for sharing with toddlers and preschoolers.

Get it on IndieBound | Get it on Amazon

I love this book so much! In this story, Maria and her mother are excited to hear Papi's band play at the salsa concert at the park. In the kitchen, Mami uses the broom to teach Maria how to dance to the music. The concert is a beautiful celebration of music, family, and fun!

This bilingual book is perfect for kids ages 4 and up.

Get it on IndieBound | Get it on Amazon

Lupita cannot wait to dance la raspa with her class to celebrate Children's Day. However, when her partner Ernesto hurts his ankle, she has no one to dance with in the performance. Rather than wait in the wings, Lupita summons her courage and dances on without a partner. Seeing her mother in the audience inspires her to keep going, even though she feels silly at first.

This powerful story is a great choice for sharing with kids ages 6 and up.

Get it on IndieBound | Get it on Amazon

This beautifully illustrated picture book teachers readers about the origins and traditions of various types of African dance. It also shows how those traditions have influenced popular dance styles today.

This fun and informative book is recommended for kids ages 6 and up.

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Clayton Bates lost his leg in a factory accident at the age of 12. However, he didn't let that stop him from becoming a tap-dancing legend. This book tells his story, and how he used his disability to enhance his dancing.

Kids ages 5 and up will enjoy this captivating story!

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21 Diverse Books About Dance | Feminist Books for Kids

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As a kid, dance was my thing. I took every dance class I could, and consumed every book, movie, and television show about dance I could find. These days my dancing is limited to jamming to Lizzo in my kitchen, but I still love dance as an art form.

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A fun book for looking at young dancers doing different styles of dance from Cha cha to disco. The illustrations are perfect for identifying actions and levels.

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Let's Dance by Valerie Bolling, Illustrated by Maine Diaz

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Let's Dance by Valerie Bolling, Illustrated by Maine Diaz

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Explore all sorts of made up and home grown dance moves with How Do You Dance? Encourage your dancers to try the silly moves in the book and make their own.

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Hop Jump is such a fun book for introducing actions and movement and building to improvisation. The little frog in the book wants to do more than hop and jump--she wants to dance and float and twirl like the leaves.

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I Got the Rhythm by Connie Schofield-Morrison

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I Got the Rhythm by Connie Schofield-Morrison

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A little girl and her mom are out for a walk. She notices sounds everywhere and finds the rhythm in her feet, head, hands. A great book for exploring rhythm in dance class and listening for rhythms at home and in the world.

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Where Are You From? by Yamile Saied Mendez

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Where Are You From? by Yamile Saied Mendez

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Talk to your students about their own origins and family history. What places in the world do they represent? Their families? what is important about their origin and how does that connect to dance class? What do they wish to say about where they are "from." (I use it when we begin to study dances from around the world)

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Ask your students if they dance in the kitchen, at home, with parents or grandparents, siblings, pets, caregivers.