GLORIA'S PROMISE (AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE)

Gloria will need determination to achieve her ballet dreams.

On a snowy day in the city, Gloria and her mom (both brown-haired and brown-skinned) are headed somewhere important, leaving extra time because they cannot be late. On the long, slow subway trip, Gloria silently tells herself, “You’ve got this.” Finally they arrive at their destination, the Lawrence A. Wien Center for Dance and Theater. Gloria is there to audition for the ballet school along with many other racially diverse children. Gloria is attentive to everything she sees and hears as she prepares for the audition. A teacher demonstrates the required steps, which Gloria follows carefully, but everything stops when she falls. She tearfully asks to try again and this time performs well. But she is worried about the outcome and waits impatiently for that all-important letter. Fancy Nancy illustrator and former dancer Glasser’s lively, detailed artwork allows Gloria’s every emotion to come through in her facial expressions and body language and accurately depicts the ballet moves as characters glide, soar, and flow across the pages. Young readers are privy to Gloria’s thoughts as they follow her through the entire process and will admire her spirit and root for her all the way. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A delightful, inspiring introduction to the world of dance.