Quick Booktalk
John is a boy who dances ballet. He is a bit shy about performing his talent in front of his classmates, but he finds the courage and it pays off.
About the Illustrations
Kids who dance or enjoy watching dancing will like the portrayal of dance moves in this book. The diverse faces and facial expressions of the kids in John's school are also fun and appealing.
Story Time Possibilities
This book is not a story time book for me. Maybe a book like this - about a boy learning it's okay to dance ballet - wouldn't have been out of place when I was in elementary school, but it's just ridiculous to think that kids in 2022 don't realize there are men involved in ballet. Anyone who has seen The Nutcracker knows ballet is not just for girls. I am planning a dance-themed story time, and I had high hopes for this one based on the cover, but alas, it's too preachy about a topic on which no one needs a sermon in this day and age.
Readers Advisory
For Mac Barnett, this seems like a departure. His books are usually more quirky or funny than this one is, and I don't recall ever feeling preached to by any of his past titles. The combination of an extremely straightforward, almost boring narrative and a completely unnecessary Very Special Lesson are sending this book straight to the donation pile.
Disclosure
I received a finished copy of John's Turn from Candlewick Press in exchange for an honest review.