About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the pressure to choose between two different versions of themselves or feels like they do not fit the typical mold of a new hobby. It is particularly helpful for children who worry that starting something new means they have to give up an existing passion or identity. The story follows Bea, a girl who loves the grit of hockey but finds herself unexpectedly enchanted by the grace of ballet. As she navigates the transition into the world of dance, she faces social friction from classmates who view her as an outsider and must learn to reconcile her two very different interests. McDonnell captures the nuance of middle-childhood social dynamics and the internal struggle of developing a multifaceted identity. It is a gentle, realistic exploration of how kids can be many things at once: an athlete and an artist, a teammate and a soloist. Parents will appreciate the way it validates the awkwardness of being a beginner while celebrating the courage it takes to pursue a new spark.
