Dreamer Ballerina
on Goodreads (758)
What’s inside...
Looking at her ratty-tatty, used-to-be-white, too-big high-tops, and then at her skinny chicken legs poking up from the ground, you'd never think that Casey Quinn could ever be a ballerina. But just because Casey can't do ballet in high-tops doesn't mean she can't dance. She has more grace in her pinkie toe than the local pinky-pink, richer girls put together. Casey has a dream to dance in New York - and no-one is going to stop her. It's 1959, and freckle-faced Casey lives in the red-dust countryside of South Carolina. She's a farm girl: Her family can't afford ballet lessons. But when she meets a visionary choreographer she calls 'Miss Martha,' Casey's ballerina dream takes a thoroughly, thrillingly modern twist!
Discussion points
What dreams do you have that are similar to Casey's dance dreams?
How do you think Casey felt when things didn't go as planned? Have you ever felt that way?
Why do you think persistence and hard work are important in achieving goals?
How did Casey's friends and family support her dreams, and why is support important?
Tip: Role play these questions
Relate personal experiences or dreams to Casey’s journey to encourage empathy and connection.
Discuss the importance of resilience by comparing obstacles Casey faced to challenges in real life.
Highlight the role of supportive friends and family in the book, then discuss the child's own support system.
Encourage your child to express how they would handle situations differently from Casey, fostering critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Pursuit of Dreams
Explanation: In 'Dreamer Ballerina', the protagonist, Casey, dreams of becoming a ballerina despite her impoverished background and lack of formal training. Her relentless pursuit of her dream is a central theme.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of following their passions and working hard to achieve their goals. This encourages children to persevere in their interests regardless of obstacles.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Explanation: Casey faces numerous challenges, including mockery from peers and discouragement due to her economic situation. However, her resilience shines as she continues to chase her dream.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to remain resilient and persistent even when facing difficulties. It helps them understand that setbacks are part of the journey and can be overcome with determination.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Throughout the story, Casey learns to understand and empathize with others who have their own struggles and dreams, which deepens her character and relationships.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of empathy and how to appreciate the perspectives and feelings of others. This can improve their social interactions and foster kindness.
Example Lesson: The Significance of Friendship
Explanation: Casey's friendships play a crucial role in her journey. The support and encouragement she receives from her friends are pivotal in her pursuit of ballet.
Real-World Application: This highlights the importance of friendship and support systems. It teaches children to value and nurture relationships and how teamwork and encouragement can help in achieving one's dreams.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Innovation
Explanation: To overcome the lack of traditional ballet training, Casey innovatively uses her skills in tap dancing as a bridge to ballet, showing creativity in problem solving.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think creatively and use their unique skills to solve problems. It illustrates how thinking outside the box can provide solutions to seemingly insurmountable challenges.