Genre: Fiction
This is a book that I will definitely have in my classroom in order to teach my students that both boys and girls are equally capable of all things and deserve the same kindness, love, respect, and opportunities! ( )

I enjoyed this book for a couple reasons. First it pushed readers to think about the stereotypical gender roles they may face. For instance, Nate wants to become a ballerina so bad but his brothers and others tell him he can't and shouldn't because he is a boy. People tell him he will have to wear tutus like a girl. Nate becomes very discouraged and doesn't think he wants to be a ballerina anymore until he sees a boy in a ballet performance. He realizes that he can follow his dreams and shouldn't let others put him down because they think ballet is for girls. Another reason I liked this book was because of the pace of the plot. The book starts out with Nate discovering ballet and how he wants to become a ballerina. Then Nate get made fun of by his brother and others because they believe ballet is only for girls. Nate has to think about whether or not he should pursue his dream. Just when he thinks he won't be able to fulfill his dream he meets and speaks to a male ballerina that restores Nate's confidence in his dream. The message of this story is to not let others hold you back from your dreams. Nate didn't let others comments hold him back from becoming a ballerina. I think it is important for children to learn this so that they find confidence in themselves and won't allow others to put them down. ( )

Nate is in Kindergarten and his class is going on a field trip to the Ballet with his older brother Ben's class... Ben is not thrilled.... But Nate LOVES the Ballet and wants to take classes....and all summer long he dances and when fall comes and it's time to go to Ballet School, his brother Ben teases him...making Nate believe that he'll be wearing pink shoes & a pink tutu, just like the girls......

This is a lively book with darling illustrations... although I did not use it, I would with with an older group of children or a one-on-one reading time. ( )

Both of us liked this one and it's a good lesson. Don't let other's put down your love just because it's different. Even boys can dance and girls can play sports. Do what you like, like what you do.... Ignore naysayers. ( )

In my opinion, this is a great book that teaches an important lesson on following your dreams, despite the negativity received from others. There are several reasons why I like this book. The language is very descriptive and there is great use of vocabulary. For example, the book reads, “Mom read him books about the ballet. Nate learned the words ballerina and plié and tutu.” The reader comes into contact with new vocabulary terms relating to ballet. The text is clearly organized on each page and is accompanied by illustrations. I enjoy the characters because they are relatable. Boys who read this story may also be interested in ballet, but are too afraid to partake in this feminine activity. Nate’s older brother is relatable because readers may have an older sibling that bullies them. Influence from an older sibling has a great impact on a child. For example, Nate’s brother exclaims, “Boys can’t be ballerinas. They never ever ever can,” which is very discouraging to Nate. I really like the plot in this story. Nate was nervous to join the ballet because most ballerinas are girls and Nate did not want to wear a pink dress and shoes. However, Nate loved it and realized that boys can also be ballerinas because he met a professional male ballerina. This was a significant confidence boost for Nate. The illustrations enhance the story and are appropriate for the mood. I really like the appearance of the drawings and colors on the pages. The story pushes readers to broaden their perspectives on women and men being able to participate in a ballet. The book even mentions that girls can play on baseball teams. The big idea of the story is you should not be afraid to follow your passion. Any boy can be a ballerina if he wants to. Do not listen to the negativity of others; be brave and stand out. ( )