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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect ballet books for 10-year-olds? Whether your child is a budding ballerina or simply enchanted by the graceful world of dance, we've curated a selection of reads that will twirl them through tales of pirouettes, pliés, and grand jetés. Keep reading to discover our top picks of ballet books for 10-year-olds that are sure to keep them engaged and dreaming of the stage!

Fun Ballet Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Tallulah’s Tutu by Marilyn Singer, illustrated by Alexandra Boiger
  • Genre(s): Children’s Fiction, Performing Arts
  • Synopsis: Tallulah is determined to earn a tutu by proving her dedication to ballet, but she learns that there's more to ballet than just the outfits.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a delightful story that teaches perseverance and the value of hard work, which are great lessons for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young dancers and anyone who loves stories about achieving dreams through dedication.

• Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild
  • Genre(s): Children’s Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: This classic tale follows the lives of three adopted sisters, Pauline, Petrova, and Posy, as they struggle to make it as performers in London during the 1930s.
  • Why we recommend this book: It inspires creativity and determination, showing that with passion and hard work, you can reach your dreams.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young performers and readers who enjoy stories about sisterhood and ambition.

• Dancing in the Wings by Debbie Allen, illustrated by Kadir Nelson
  • Genre(s): Children’s Fiction, African American
  • Synopsis: Sassy is a tall young girl who loves ballet more than anything, but she worries that her size might keep her from becoming a star dancer.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an empowering story that encourages readers to embrace their uniqueness and pursue their passions regardless of the obstacles.
  • Perfect for: Kids who feel different and need a confidence boost, and those who enjoy stories about overcoming adversity.

• The Very Fairy Princess: Here Comes the Flower Girl! by Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton, illustrated by Christine Davenier
  • Genre(s): Children’s Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Gerry, a self-proclaimed fairy princess, is thrilled to be a flower girl in a wedding and brings her own sparkly flair to the role.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the enchantment of fairy tales with real-life situations, making it a fun and relatable read.
  • Perfect for: Young dreamers who love fairy tales and those looking for a light-hearted, joyful read.

• Miss Lina's Ballerinas by Grace Maccarone, illustrated by Christine Davenier
  • Genre(s): Children’s Fiction, Rhyming
  • Synopsis: Miss Lina's eight ballerinas learn to dance in unison until a new girl joins, and they must find a new way to dance together.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches about teamwork and adapting to changes, all wrapped up in delightful rhymes and charming illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy rhythmic storytelling and lessons about cooperation and friendship.

Educational Ballet Books for 10-Year-Olds

• A Dance Like Starlight by Kristy Dempsey, illustrated by Floyd Cooper
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: A young African American girl in the 1950s dreams of becoming a ballerina despite the racial barriers of the era.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical awareness, empathy, perseverance
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a poignant story that highlights the importance of hope and striving for one's dreams even in the face of significant obstacles.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and inspirational stories of overcoming adversity.

• Brontorina by James Howe, illustrated by Randy Cecil
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Brontorina is a dinosaur who dreams of becoming a ballerina, but her size poses unique challenges to her and her classmates.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, problem-solving, inclusivity
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches children that you shouldn't let physical limitations or societal expectations prevent you from following your dreams.
  • Perfect for: Children who love dinosaurs and stories that encourage thinking outside the box.

• Ballerino Nate by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, illustrated by R.W. Alley
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: Nate loves dancing and dreams of becoming a ballet dancer, but he faces teasing from his older brother who thinks ballet is just for girls.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Gender roles, self-expression, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a supportive tale that promotes gender inclusivity and the courage to pursue one's passion.
  • Perfect for: Boys and girls alike who might be interested in dance and need encouragement to pursue what they love.

• Lili at Ballet by Rachel Isadora
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Lili loves ballet and this book follows her experiences and growth as she attends ballet class and prepares for a recital.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Dedication, practice, performing arts appreciation
  • Why we recommend this book: It gives a realistic look at the daily life of a young ballet student, emphasizing the discipline and joy of dance.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young dancers and those curious about the life of a ballet student.

• The Only Boy in Ballet Class by Denise Gruska, illustrated by Amy Wummer
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: Tucker loves to dance more than anything, but he struggles with feeling out of place as the only boy in his ballet class.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-esteem, courage, breaking stereotypes
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses gender stereotypes in a sensitive way and encourages children to be true to themselves.
  • Perfect for: Boys who dance or participate in activities that are stereotypically not associated with their gender, and anyone who feels different.

Challenging Ballet Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Painted Girls by Cathy Marie Buchanan
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Set in 1880s Paris, this novel follows the van Goethem sisters as they struggle with poverty and their involvement in the Paris Opera Ballet. Inspired by real-life figures and the era of Degas, it intertwines the harsh realities of ballet with the challenges of growing up.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative delves into complex themes such as poverty, addiction, and the exploitation of young dancers in the Paris Opera, presenting a grittier, more realistic look at the ballet world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a rich, atmospheric portrayal of historical Paris and provides a deeper, thought-provoking look at the sacrifices and decisions young dancers may face.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate historical depth and are looking for a more mature, challenging ballet story.

• To Dance: A Ballerina’s Graphic Novel by Siena Cherson Siegel, illustrated by Mark Siegel
  • Genre(s): Biography, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: This autobiographical graphic novel explores Siena Cherson Siegel's journey from a young dreamer in Puerto Rico to becoming a dancer with the New York City Ballet. It beautifully captures the joys and hardships of pursuing professional ballet.
  • Why this book is challenging: The graphic novel format combined with its autobiographical content requires readers to engage with both visual literacy and complex personal narratives.
  • Why we recommend this book: It visually and emotionally engages readers, offering a personal and inspiring look at the dedication required in ballet, making it relatable and motivational.
  • Perfect for: Visual learners and those interested in a personal story of growth and achievement in ballet.

• Girl in Motion by Miriam Wenger-Landis
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Anna, a student at the prestigious School of American Ballet, navigates the challenges of ballet competition, adolescence, and her dreams of becoming a professional dancer. The story provides a realistic inside look at the ballet world.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles the psychological and physical pressures faced by young dancers, including body image issues and intense competition.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers a realistic portrayal of the ballet world, providing insights into the dedication and resilience required to succeed.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring dancers and those who appreciate a realistic, behind-the-scenes look at the life of a ballet student.

• Dancing Through Fields of Color: The Story of Helen Frankenthaler by Elizabeth Brown, illustrated by Aimée Sicuro
  • Genre(s): Biography, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: This illustrated biography tells the story of Helen Frankenthaler, a pioneering abstract expressionist artist, highlighting her bold and innovative painting style which was often inspired by dance and movement.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces abstract concepts and the abstract expressionist movement, requiring readers to think about art and dance in a broader, more conceptual way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages creativity and thinking outside the box, showing how dance can influence other forms of art.
  • Perfect for: Young artists and dancers interested in how different forms of creativity intersect and influence each other.

• Second Position by Katherine Locke
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Fiction
  • Synopsis: After a devastating accident, Aly struggles to return to the world of professional ballet while dealing with severe anxiety and the reality of her new limitations. The story is a journey of self-discovery and healing.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with mental health issues and the impact of physical trauma, requiring readers to engage with emotionally complex situations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful story about overcoming adversity and finding strength in oneself, providing a meaningful narrative that resonates with the struggles of real life.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for stories of resilience, and those interested in the mental and emotional aspects of performing arts.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the enchanting world of ballet through books, it's a fantastic way to combine the art of dance with the joy of reading. To make the most out of your reading experience, here are some fun exercises designed specifically for 10-year-olds. These will not only enhance your understanding of ballet but also help develop solid reading habits.

• Create a Ballet Glossary
  • What it is: Make a list of new ballet terms you find in your books.
  • How it helps: Enhances your ballet vocabulary and helps you remember key concepts.
  • Tips: Add a new word and its meaning each time you read.

• Summarize the Story
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of the chapters or stories you read.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and retention of the story.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries short and sweet, aiming for five sentences or less.

• Character Connection
  • What it is: Choose a character you relate to or find interesting and write about them.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding of characters and enhances empathy.
  • Tips: Think about what makes this character special and how they contribute to the story.

• Question Corner
  • What it is: Write down any questions that arise while reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages curiosity and critical thinking.
  • Tips: Review these questions with a parent or friend to explore possible answers.

• Visual Vocabulary
  • What it is: Draw pictures of new words or concepts you learn.
  • How it helps: Helps with memory and understanding through visual association.
  • Tips: Use colors and details to make your drawings as vivid as possible.

• Reading Out Loud
  • What it is: Read passages aloud to yourself or to others.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and fluency in reading.
  • Tips: Try changing your tone and voice to match different characters.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only enjoy your ballet books more, but you'll also build a stronger foundation in both reading and ballet. So grab your next book, pick a comfy spot, and start practicing these exercises today. Happy reading and dancing!