
Reach for this book when your daughter is struggling to balance her diverse interests or feels pressured by friends to fit into a specific social box. It is perfect for the girl who worries that liking 'girly' things like dance or fashion might make her less serious or intelligent in the eyes of her peers. Kayla Dean is a self-proclaimed feminist and aspiring journalist who joins the school dance team to expose their biases, only to find herself actually enjoying the experience. The story explores the tension between personal identity and group labels, making it an excellent choice for navigating middle school social dynamics. It validates the idea that girls can contain multitudes, being both intellectual and athletic, or serious and fun, without losing their integrity. It is a lighthearted yet meaningful look at self-discovery and the complexities of female friendship.
Kayla joins the team under false pretenses as an undercover journalist.
None
A middle schooler who feels they are 'too much' of one thing or 'not enough' of another. It’s for the girl who loves sports but also likes makeup, or the honor student who wants to join the cheer squad but fears being judged.
Read cold, but be prepared for questions about puberty. The story includes a plot point where Kayla feels insecure about her body compared to the other dancers, which is handled with humor. A parent might see their child suddenly pulling away from a long-time best friend over a change in interests, or hear their child making self-deprecating comments about their body or 'braininess.'
Younger readers (10-11) will focus on the fun of the dance team and the friendship drama. Older readers (12-14) will better appreciate the satirical take on activism and the deeper questions about performative identity.
Unlike many 'makeover' stories where the protagonist changes to fit in, Kayla changes but then has to defend that change against her own internal biases and her best friend's rigid expectations. ```
Kayla Dean, a middle schooler with a sharp tongue and a passion for journalism, decides to audition for the Lady Lions dance team as an undercover assignment. Her goal is to prove that the team discriminates based on physical appearance and 'endowment.' However, the plan backfires when she actually makes the team and begins to enjoy the choreography and the sisterhood. This creates a rift with her best friend Rosalie, a hardcore activist who views Kayla's new hobby as a betrayal of their shared feminist values. Kayla must decide if she can reconcile her passion for dance with her feminist values, especially given her best friend's disapproval.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a review