Zuri Ray Tries Ballet by Sharon Sordo, Tami Charles
Published by Quill Tree Books on June 15, 2021
ISBN: 0062914898
Pages: 40
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

Zuri is up for anything — until her best friend suggests they go to ballet camp. Zuri isn’t a dancer. She loves sports, not dancing. She agrees to go, puts on ballet clothes, and hates every minute of it. The teacher asks Zuri why she’s upset after the class, and then reminds her that she doesn’t have move OR look like everyone else to dance. She says, “…dancing is all about imagination.” Zuri decides to dress and dance her own way, and despite the other kids’ initial reservations, they all come to love and explore different ways of dancing and moving.

This is a great story about being true to yourself and finding comfort in doing things your own way. Thankfully, Zuri had a very open minded teacher who allowed her to really express herself. Zuri is brown skinned and part of a biracial family, and the ballet class is composed of a diverse group of kids. The digitally rendered illustrations bring the dance class alive with movement and emotion and are full of colors and music.

Recommended for readers 4 and up. Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME