10+ Best Dance Books for 10-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the lookout for the perfect way to twirl into the world of reading with your young dancer? Our curated list of dance books for 10-year-olds is just the ticket! Whether your child is a budding ballerina, a hip-hop enthusiast, or somewhere in between, these books will keep them engaged and inspired. Keep reading to discover our top picks that are sure to keep those little feet moving and their imaginations soaring!

Fun Dance Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This story follows the lives of three orphaned sisters, Pauline, Petrova, and Posy, who are adopted by an eccentric explorer, Great Uncle Matthew. They enroll in the Children's Academy of Dancing and Stage Training to help make ends meet and discover their own unique talents and dreams in the world of dance and performance.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming tale that encourages perseverance and following one’s dreams, no matter how big they are. It also highlights the importance of family and support in achieving success.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who dream of dancing or performing, and anyone who loves a story about family and personal growth.

• Dancing in the Wings by Debbie Allen, illustrated by Kadir Nelson
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: Sassy is a tall young girl who loves dancing more than anything. Despite being teased for her height and big feet, Sassy dreams of becoming a ballet star. When a famous director comes to her class looking for dancers, she sees her chance to shine.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book is empowering and uplifting, showing how one's perceived flaws can actually be unique strengths. It also promotes confidence and self-acceptance.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young dancers and any child who feels they stand out from the crowd.

• The Nutcracker in Harlem by T.E. McMorrow, illustrated by James Ransome
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Picture Book, Holiday
  • Synopsis: This is a retelling of the classic "Nutcracker" story set in Harlem during the Harlem Renaissance. It follows a young girl named Marie who finds her voice and her courage at a holiday party with the magical help of a nutcracker doll.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces children to the magic of the Nutcracker with a fresh cultural twist and emphasizes the power of music and courage.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in music, dance, and history, as well as those looking for a holiday-themed read with a meaningful message.

• A Dance Like Starlight by Kristy Dempsey, illustrated by Floyd Cooper
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: Set in the mid-20th century, this book tells the story of a young African-American girl who dreams of becoming a ballerina despite the racial barriers of the era. Inspired by the first African-American prima ballerina, Janet Collins, the girl learns to dream big and hope for a brighter future.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching story that deals with overcoming obstacles and reaching for one's dreams, no matter the circumstances. It also provides a gentle introduction to discussions about race and equality.
  • Perfect for: Young dancers and any child learning to overcome challenges in pursuit of their dreams.

Educational Dance Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Step by Step Ballet Class: An Illustrated Guide by Royal Academy of Dancing
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This guidebook provides a detailed introduction to the basics of ballet, illustrated step-by-step by the experts at the Royal Academy of Dancing.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Ballet techniques, physical coordination, understanding of dance terminology
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an authoritative and accessible resource that helps young dancers master the fundamentals of ballet in a clear and structured way.
  • Perfect for: Young aspiring ballet dancers who are serious about learning the correct techniques from the beginning.

• The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin by Julia Finley Mosca, illustrated by Daniel Rieley
  • Genre(s): Biography, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: This book tells the inspiring story of Dr. Temple Grandin, a scientist and autism spokesperson who thinks in pictures and has made significant contributions to both animal science and autism awareness.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, understanding of autism, inspiration from real-life achievements
  • Why we recommend this book: While not exclusively about dance, it encourages creative thinking and shows how unique perspectives can lead to success, much like in dance.
  • Perfect for: Children interested in science, animal welfare, and overcoming personal challenges.

• My First Dance: Ballet by Kate Castle
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Instructional
  • Synopsis: This introductory book takes young readers through the early steps of ballet, offering a fun and engaging look at dance with vibrant photos and illustrations.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Basic ballet moves, rhythm, musicality
  • Why we recommend this book: It's perfect for beginners and provides a solid foundation in the basics of ballet in an easy-to-understand format.
  • Perfect for: Kids just starting out in ballet or those interested in starting dance classes.

• Josie's Ballet Shoes by Teresa Heapy, illustrated by Rebecca Bagley
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: Josie receives a magical pair of ballet shoes that she believes turn her into a better dancer. Through her journey, she learns the importance of hard work and practice in dancing.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of practice and perseverance, self-confidence
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines a magical story with realistic lessons about the dedication required in dance.
  • Perfect for: Young dancers who love stories that blend fantasy with real-life lessons in determination and self-belief.

• Ballet for Martha: Making Appalachian Spring by Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan, illustrated by Brian Floca
  • Genre(s): Biography, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: This book explores the collaboration between dancer Martha Graham, composer Aaron Copland, and artist Isamu Noguchi to create the iconic American ballet, "Appalachian Spring."
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of collaboration, history of a significant cultural work
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of a ballet masterpiece, highlighting the importance of teamwork and creative vision.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in the arts, particularly those who appreciate how dance, music, and stage design come together to tell a story.

Challenging Dance Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Painted Girls by Cathy Marie Buchanan
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in 1880s Paris, this novel follows the van Goethem sisters as they struggle with poverty and their involvement in the Paris Opéra, where they serve as ballet dancers. The story intertwines their lives with the darker aspects of the city's underbelly, including their connections with crime and the infamous artist Edgar Degas.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative deals with complex themes such as poverty, exploitation, and the pursuit of art in a harsh reality, presented in a sophisticated prose style.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a vivid portrayal of historical Paris and the harsh realities faced by young dancers, offering a deeper understanding of resilience and the human spirit.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate historical settings and stories that blend real-life art history with deep personal struggles.

• Girl in Motion by Miriam Wenger-Landis
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: A young dancer, Anna, at the prestigious School of American Ballet in New York, navigates the challenges of ballet training while dealing with personal relationships and her own ambitions.
  • Why this book is challenging: It offers an insider's look at the competitive world of ballet through a narrative filled with technical descriptions of dance and the emotional resilience required.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book captures the dedication required in ballet and is inspiring for those interested in a serious pursuit of dance.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring dancers and those interested in a realistic, behind-the-scenes look at the life of a young ballet student.

• Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina by Michaela DePrince and Elaine DePrince
  • Genre(s): Autobiography
  • Synopsis: This autobiography details the incredible journey of Michaela DePrince from an orphan in war-torn Sierra Leone to becoming a world-renowned ballet dancer.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book covers heavy themes such as war, loss, and overcoming extreme adversity, presented through the lens of a young dancer's real-life experiences.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an uplifting story of hope and determination, showing how passion for dance can transform a life marked by hardship.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a story of triumph over adversity and those interested in the transformative power of the arts.

• Dancer by Lorri Hewett
  • Genre(s): Fiction
  • Synopsis: Stephanie, an African American teenager, dreams of becoming a professional dancer despite facing racial discrimination and personal doubt in a predominantly white ballet community.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel tackles issues of racism, identity, and self-confidence in the context of dance, requiring readers to engage with complex social issues.
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses important themes of diversity and inclusion in the arts, encouraging young readers to pursue their dreams regardless of the obstacles.
  • Perfect for: Young dancers who face their own challenges in achieving their dreams, and anyone interested in stories about overcoming barriers and self-discovery.

• To Dance: A Ballerina’s Graphic Novel by Siena Cherson Siegel, illustrated by Mark Siegel
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Memoir
  • Synopsis: This graphic novel memoir tells the story of Siena Cherson Siegel, who grows up in Puerto Rico dreaming of becoming a ballerina, and her journey through the world of dance as she moves to New York City to pursue her dreams.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative is delivered through a combination of visual and textual storytelling, requiring readers to interpret both to fully grasp the story’s depth.
  • Why we recommend this book: It uniquely combines the visual appeal of a graphic novel with the emotional and physical challenges of ballet, making it accessible yet profound.
  • Perfect for: Visual learners and those who appreciate a different narrative format, as well as fans of dance and personal memoirs.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of dance books and want to make the most of your reading experience, here are some fun exercises tailored for 10-year-olds. These will not only enhance your understanding but also make reading a habit you'll love!

• Set a Daily Reading Goal
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages a consistent reading habit and helps complete books regularly.
  • Tips: Start with a small, manageable goal and gradually increase it.

• Create a Dance Book Club
  • What it is: Gather a group of friends who enjoy dance books and discuss them regularly.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and provides motivation to read more.
  • Tips: Meet once a week or month to discuss a book everyone has read.

• Illustrate the Story
  • What it is: Draw scenes or characters from the book.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding and retention of the story.
  • Tips: Use your imagination to add personal touches to the illustrations.

• Act Out Scenes
  • What it is: Perform some scenes from the book with friends or family members.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding of the characters and plot.
  • Tips: Don't worry about getting it perfect; focus on having fun and being expressive.

• Write a Book Review
  • What it is: Write a short review of the book after finishing it.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and helps remember key details.
  • Tips: Include what you liked, didn't like, and whom you would recommend the book to.

• Design a Bookmark
  • What it is: Create a personalized bookmark related to the theme of the book.
  • How it helps: Makes the reading experience more personal and enjoyable.
  • Tips: Use craft supplies like markers, stickers, and ribbons to make your bookmark stand out.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Guess what might happen next before continuing to read.
  • How it helps: Engages your imagination and analytical skills.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and see how many you get right as you read.

Wrapping up, these exercises are not just about improving how you read, but also about making the experience enjoyable and deeply engaging. So, pick a dance book, grab your bookmark, and let the adventure begin! Happy reading!