Dare You to Dance

Mock (Salt Magic) considers the intersection of talent and drive in her intimate, behind-the-scenes graphic novel debut about young ballerinas. Gracie, a talented, pale-skinned ballet dancer, heads from small-town Ohio to New York City for the prestigious Youth Dance Summer Workshop. Staying with her godmother Dani in a cramped apartment shared with three energetic dogs, Gracie struggles to adjust to the city’s noises and pace. Her focus quickly narrows to dance—and to her self-proclaimed rivalry with gifted, brown-skinned peer Sariah—while she forms a close friendship with petite, red-haired Jaz. Though the workshop’s strict instructors are mindful of the girls’ growing bodies, they also push the dancers to their physical limits. As the girls endeavor to come together as a corps for the end-of-session showcase, the intensity of the training and the strain of interpersonal dynamics marred by cliques and bullying heighten both the stakes and the drama. Gracie is portrayed as a dancer with the confidence and focus of an elite performer, tempered by a relatable naivete regarding the metropolitan setting compared to her hometown. Her determination propels her through challenges, giving readers a glimpse of the sweat, triumph, and occasional heartbreak behind ballet’s refined surface. Fluid linework and a pastel palette evoke the strength and grace of the dancers, resulting in an eloquent and movement-filled portrait of ambition and self-discovery. Ages 8–12. Agent: Chelsea Eberly, Greenhouse Literary. (July)