School Dance (The Brinkley Yearbooks, #3) by Sarah Sax
Published by Random House Graphic on August 26, 2025
ISBN: 0593306961
Pages: 288
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

The third book in the Brinkley Yearbook series does not disappoint. Sax masterfully embodies the fears and awkwardness of the middle school years. In this third installment, Milo gets his book as he looks to conquer the dreaded school dance. He is convinced that anytime he dances, bad things happen; thus, he and his dancing are cursed. He has some anecdotal evidence, but like most young people, he believes that his actions, alone, cause something to happen. When his abuela moves in with him, he is happy because she knows him better than anyone. However, she also loves dancing and feels a natural inclination toward it. With his very supportive friend group, and his very sassy and persuasive abuela, Milo finally is able to let go of the judge in his head and let the music find his feet. Sax’s illustrations are crisp and bright, and her prose is not overwhelming. Fans of realistic graphic novels will eat this up and look forward to book 4 in the series.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Falmouth Elementary School