Follow four energetic boys as they train for and take the stage in a community dance performance celebrating classic kids’ books. Can you emote like an angry pirate from Treasure Island — and even act out a fake swordfight? When four boys join their schools' dance teams, that’s just one of the numbers being rehearsed for a performance directed by the National Dance Institute of New Mexico, inspired by favorite books such as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Where the Wild Things Are, The Thousand and One Nights, and Oh, the Places You’ll Go! Trailing the four enthusiastic dancers is photographer George Ancona, whose copious images capture the infectious spirit of the boys as they learn to dance, act, sing, leap, pretend-fight, change costumes, work hard, and above all, have fun, together with vivacious boys and girls from many other schools. Gr 1–3—Instructors from the National Dance Institute (NDI) in New Mexico visit local schools to engage boys in the performing arts. Students are taught how to dance in order to star in a multiple-school production. The dances are athletic and fun, allowing the boys to pretend to be pirates, monsters, and more. The straightforward text features moments that will be relatable for most readers ("When the students become too noisy to hear Pamela, she claps her hands—1, 2…1, 2, 3. Then the students clap back the same rhythm—1, 2…1, 2, 3—and they quiet down."), accompanied by photographs that depict the rehearsal process and some of the final performance. Specifics of how the instructors rally the class are also included. ("Emily is choreographing the opening dance. She moves pieces of paper around on the floor to show the dancers where they should be and where they should go.") The photos depict a diverse mix of eager, happy students leaping, tapping, perfecting a pas de deux, and more. While dancers may get a kick out of seeing how NDI puts on a show, this title is unlikely to get the uninitiated itching to get started, as some familiarity with the subject is needed. VERDICT Consider where dance and theater performance are popular.—Laura Stanfield, Campbell County Public Library, Fort Thomas, KY This is an enjoyable introduction to the world of dance that portrays dance as a diverse art form and capable means of expression for all children. —Kirkus Reviews A warm tribute to the tremendous effort, dedication, and collaborative spirit needed to put together a multischool performance. —Booklist The dances are athletic and fun, allowing the boys to pretend to be pirates, monsters, and more. The straightforward text features moments that will be relatable for most readers..Consider where dance and theater performance are popular. —School Library Journal George Ancona  (1929-2021) was an award-winning author and photographer of more than one hundred books for children, many about arts and culture. He wrote and photographed  Boys Dancing: From School Gym to Theater Stage; Can We Help? Kids Volunteering to Help Their Communities;  and  It’s Our Garden: From Seeds to Harvest in a School Garden .