The most recommended books about ballet dancers

Who picked these books? Meet our 13 experts.

13 authors created a book list connected to ballet dancers, and here are their favorite ballet dancers books.
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Book cover of Firebird

Deborah Fletcher Mello Author Of Chasing a Colton Killer

From Deborah's 8-year-old's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Reader Orange juice enthusiast Devoted grandmother Armchair detective

Deborah's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Plus, Deborah's 8, and 10-year-old's favorite books.

Deborah Fletcher Mello Why did Deborah's 8-year-old love this book?

My baby girl is an aspiring ballerina. Misty Copeland is her dance idol. Firebird is a picture book, and the artwork is spectacular. The language is simplistic, but the message is powerful. Children learn they can do all things with hard work and dedication.

I loved everything about this book, and so did my little reader.

By Misty Copeland, Christopher Myers (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Firebird as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 5, 6, 7, and 8.

What is this book about?

In her debut picture book Misty Copeland tells the story of a young girl - an every girl - whose confidence is fragile and who is questioning her own ability to reach the heights that Misty has reached. Misty encourages this young girl's faith in herself and shows her exactly how, through hard work and dedication, she too can become Firebird. Lyrical and affecting text paired with bold, striking illustrations that are some of Caldecott Honouree Christopher Myers' best work, makes Firebird perfect for aspiring ballerinas everywhere.


Book cover of A Dance Like Starlight: One Ballerina's Dream

Susan Coryell Author Of Kiki's Dream

From my list on that show young children to dream for themselves.

Why am I passionate about this?

My expertise and passion for the theme of childrenā€™s dreams for themselves and how they achieve them began with reading wonderful childrenā€™s picture books to my kids and grandkids when they were very young. After writing one young adult novel and four cozy mysteries for adults, I realize my true calling as a writer is to create books that little readers will not only love but return to again and again to reinforce their own dreams and sense of worth as well as awareness of others. Many picture books dwell on what elders dream for their children rather than what young ones wish for themselves.

Susan's book list on that show young children to dream for themselves

Susan Coryell Why did Susan love this book?

This book brought tears to my eyes as a little girl living in Harlem in the 1950s dreamed of becoming a prima ballerina in a time where ā€œcoloredā€ dancers were not allowed to perform on stage.

Each night she wished upon a star that her dream would come true, though it seemed highly unlikely. I felt for this child whose dream her society strove to deny. I cheered her path to gradual acceptance in the ballet school.

By Kristy Dempsey, Floyd Cooper (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Dance Like Starlight as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 5, 6, 7, and 8.

What is this book about?

A story of little ballerinas with big dreams.

Little ballerinas have big dreams. Dreams of pirouettes and grande jetes, dreams of attending the best ballet schools and of dancing starring roles on stage. But in Harlem in the 1950s, dreams donā€™t always come trueā€”they take a lot of work and a lot of hope. And sometimes hope is hard to come by.
 
But the first African-American prima ballerina, Janet Collins, did make her dreams come true. And those dreams inspired ballerinas everywhere, showing them that the color of their skin couldnā€™t stop them from becoming a star.
 
In a lyricalā€¦


Book cover of Ballet Shoes

Emily Hourican Author Of Mummy Darlings: A Glorious Guinness Girls Novel

From my list on Britain before WWII that show true daily life.

Why am I passionate about this?

When I started researching the 1930s in Britain, I realised that I had only ever considered the period from the Irish perspective, as the tail-end of the long battle for independence. I had always seen Britain in the role of oppressor: Rich, where Ireland was poor; powerful where Ireland was weak. As I read more, a new picture of Britain began to emerge. The Great Depression, the numbers of people unemployed, the children with rickets and scurvy due to malnutrition. And with those things, the rise of socialism and fascism, both expressing the same dissatisfaction with life. I wanted to know more. And so I went looking for books to teach me.

Emily's book list on Britain before WWII that show true daily life

Emily Hourican Why did Emily love this book?

This is a children's book ā€“ the story of the three Fossil children, their peculiar upbringing, and the ups and downs of their lives at stage school ā€“ but it is a wonderful read at any age. Brilliantly infused with the texture of daily life in 1930s London, it creates a really specific and compelling atmosphere. The food they ate, the cost of clothes, transport, the make-up of their household, even the quality of the air they breathed, is all described, as part of a warm and engrossing tale. Nothing I've read quite transports you to that time in the way that this does. 

By Noel Streatfeild, Diane Goode (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Ballet Shoes as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

When Sylvia and her old nurse Nana agree to keep house for Gum, they know they will be looking after his fossil collection while his away on his travels. But imagine their surprise when one day he brings them something else - three baby girls whose names all being with 'P'! Pauline, Petrova and Posy Fossil are not really sisters - even their surname is invented. The girls decide to 'put our name in the history books because it's our very own', and enrol at the Children's Academy of Dancing and Stage Training. Each Fossil uses her individual talents toā€¦


Book cover of Fancy Nancy: Budding Ballerina

Katharine Holabird Author Of Angelina Ballerina

From my list on inspiring little dancers.

Why am I passionate about this?

Iā€™ve never forgotten the thrill of my first ballet! My grandmother and I went to see The Nutcracker when I was five, and that first ballet experience inspired a lifelong love of dance. As a child, I adored dressing up and twirling around the house with my sisters, and I went on to study dance along with English Literature in college. Years later when my own daughters adored dressing up in pink tutus, I started writing about a determined little mouse who loves to dance, and so Angelina Ballerina was born. Children naturally love music and dance, and I hope the picture books Iā€™ve chosen will inspire you and your family with the magic of dance!

Katharine's book list on inspiring little dancers

Katharine Holabird Why did Katharine love this book?

The Fancy Nancy books are hugely popular, and this is a great addition to the series. Nancy loves to dress up and dance, and in this story she sets out to show her favorite ballet moves to her father, with touchingly humorous results. Young readers will enjoy following along as Nancy demonstrates her best plies, pirouettes, and jetes, and will probably be inspired to start their own ballet lessons!

An entertaining way to learn basic ballet positions, and a special treat for devoted little ballet students and their families.

By Jane O'Connor, Robin Preiss Glasser (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Fancy Nancy as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

What starts out as dancing school just for Dad quickly turns into a ballet class for Nancy's whole family. Fans of Fancy Nancy will delight in learning to pliƩ, pirouette, and jetƩ with Nancy as she demonstrates all of the positions she's learned in ballet class.

From the New York Times bestselling team Jane O'Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser, who have entertained millions of girls and boys with the Fancy Nancy series.


Book cover of Danika's Dancing Day: A Dance-It-Out Creative Movement Story for Young Movers

Connie Bergstein Dow Author Of Tap and Rap, Move and Groove

From my list on inspire your little ones to imagine and have fun.

Why am I passionate about this?

Dance has always been an important part of my life. I specialized in dance in college (Denison University) and graduate school (MFA, University of Michigan) and danced professionally for twelve years. As a dance educator, Iā€™ve taught in colleges, conservatories, schools, and community centers, teaching toddlers, senior adults, and every age in between. Iā€™ve authored two books for teachers, three picture books, articles in journals, and verses for childrenā€™s magazines. I share my passion for dance by writing and teaching, and visiting schools, libraries, and book festivals. I believe that every child should have the opportunity to participate in the arts; they are essential and transformational forces in our lives.

Connie's book list on inspire your little ones to imagine and have fun

Connie Bergstein Dow Why did Connie love this book?

This picture book is one of twenty in the Dance-It-Out Movement Story series. Each picture book tells a delightful story that serves as a catalyst for children to ā€œdance it out,ā€ with colorful and playful illustrations by Sudipta Steve Dasgupta.

This one is the story of Danika, who loves ballet and incorporates it into her life in many fun and creative ways. The book has instructions and photos to inspire children to dance along with the story. 

By Once Upon A Dance, Sudipta Steve Dasgupta (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Danika's Dancing Day as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 5, 6, 7, and 8.

What is this book about?

Two Ballerinas dance on the pages of this charming story of ballet passion.

"Overflowing with enthusiasm for ballet, this book is a celebration of all those who live with dance in their souls. Effervescent images of both Danika and Ballerina Konora will inspire children to mirror their movements both while reading the story and after it ends". (ā€”Mary Lanni, Librarian Reviewer)

Danika loves ballet. She translates each ordinary aspect of her life into a remarkable dance performance. Ballerina Konora (a professional ballerina) joins the fun with how-to instructions and photos for kids who want to dance along with Danika, Penelopeā€¦


Book cover of Firebird
Book cover of A Dance Like Starlight: One Ballerina's Dream
Book cover of Ballet Shoes

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