Dare You to Dance

(A Graphic Novel)

Hardcover

Grades 3–7
Ages 8–12

From the award-winning illustrator of The Four Points series comes a heartfelt middle grade graphic novel about a small-town ballerina attending a prestigious dance workshop. Determined to push herself, she picks the best dancer in class to compete against—only to discover that what her rival really needs is…friendship.

Gracie is ready to take on the ballet world—starting with the Young Dancer Summer Workshop in New York! It’s a two week summer course, and while she misses her family in Ohio, she is ready to show this ballet school that she has what it takes.

Too bad none of the other students got the memo and now Gracie feels like she’s already being left in the dust! Luckily, she knows the best way to get herself motivated is with a good rival and who better to pick than the star of the class, Sariah!

Except Sariah doesn’t seem interested in a fun competition with Gracie. In fact, she’s so serious that it seems like she barely enjoys dancing at all? Can Gracie break through to Sariah and find the exciting rival she wants? Or is this rivalry, and Gracie’s future in ballet, both doomed before it can even start?

"Fluid linework and a pastel palette evoke the strength and grace of the dancers, resulting in an eloquent and movement-filled portrait of ambition and self-discovery." —Publishers Weekly

"A beautifully illustrated story full of angst, humor, and heart." —Kirkus Reviews

"This fast-paced graphic novel touches on a less-explored demographic of ballerinas and dancers....readers are immersed in an intense story of competition, proving oneself, rivalry, and secrets." —School Library Journal

"While focusing on ballet, the themes of rivalry, friendship, and perseverance will relate across interests. For fans of stories about dance, sportsmanship, and enemies to friends." —Booklist

ISBN 9780593181102 (Hardcover)
Published on Jul 28, 2026
Published by Random House Graphic
Pages 224
Dimensions 5-1/2 x 8
Age Range 8-12 years
Grade Grades 3-7

ISBN 9780593181119 (Hardcover Library Binding)
Published on Jul 28, 2026
Published by Random House Graphic
Pages 224
Dimensions 5-1/2 x 8
Age Range 8-12 years
Grade Grades 3-7

ISBN 9780593181126 (Ebook)
Published on Jul 28, 2026
Published by Random House Graphic
Pages 224
Age Range 8-12 years
Grade Grades 3-7

ISBN 9780593181133 (Paperback)
Published on Jul 28, 2026
Published by Random House Graphic
Pages 224
Dimensions 5-1/2 x 8
Age Range 8-12 years
Grade Grades 3-7

Rebecca Mock

Rebecca Mock is an illustrator and comics artist. She illustrated the graphic novels Compass South and Knife’s Edge, both written by Hope Larson. Her work has also appeared in various publications, including the New York Times and the New Yorker. She is co-organizer of the Hana Doki Kira anthology.

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