Someday Dancer
on Goodreads (758)
What’s inside...
In South Carolina in 1959, Casey Quinn dreams of being a ballerina, but her family can't afford lessons. Determined, she follows her dream to New York City and the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance. There, she meets a visionary choreographer, 'Miss Martha,' who helps Casey's ballerina dream take a modern twist.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
11-12
Length
256 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What challenges does Casey face and how does she overcome them?
Why do you think dancing is important to Casey?
How do Casey's relationships with her family and friends influence her journey?
What did you learn about following your dreams from Casey's story?
If you could give Casey advice, what would you tell her?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own experiences or dreams related to dancing or any other passion, to make the conversation relatable.
Encourage empathy by asking how your child would feel in Casey's situations and why.
Use open-ended questions to foster a deeper understanding of overcoming obstacles and resilience.
Discuss the importance of support systems, like family and friends, in achieving dreams, drawing parallels to your child’s life.
Highlight the values of perseverance and passion that are illustrated in the book and relate them back to real-life scenarios.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Persistence pays off
Explanation: The protagonist's journey showcases her relentless effort and dedication to pursue her dreams of becoming a dancer despite numerous challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of dedication and persistence in achieving their own goals, whether in academics, sports, or personal interests.
Example Lesson: The value of passion
Explanation: The main character's love for dance drives her to overcome obstacles and continue working towards her dreams, demonstrating how passion can be a powerful motivator.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to identify and cultivate their own passions, understanding that doing what they love can lead to fulfillment and success.
Example Lesson: Importance of self-belief
Explanation: Throughout the narrative, the protagonist battles self-doubt but learns to believe in her own abilities, which is key to her eventual success.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to trust in their own skills and talents, boosting their self-esteem and resilience in facing various life challenges.
Example Lesson: Respecting and learning from criticism
Explanation: The dancer in the story uses constructive criticism to improve her skills rather than allowing it to discourage her.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that feedback, whether from teachers or peers, is valuable for personal growth and development.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The story illustrates the various backgrounds and struggles of characters in the dance community, teaching the young dancer about empathy.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be more understanding and empathetic towards others' feelings and backgrounds, fostering a more inclusive environment at school and home.