We’re dancing with joy for today’s new release from beloved author Yamile Saied Méndez!
Add her middle grade novel The Reel Wish and the Spanish edition El deseo de mi córazon to your TBR pile. With 3 STARRED REVIEWS, it’s just the kind of heartfelt, thoughtful read you’ll soon be recommending to others like Kirkus Young Readers’ Editor Mahnaz Dar (listen to her recommendation on the Fully Booked podcast around the 33:30 mark).
Valid online only at leeandlow.com. May not be combined with other offers or discounts. Offer valid through June 30, 2025.
About the Book
After a panic attack prevents Florencia from performing as Clara in The Nutcracker and her best friend takes the lead, a new dance style helps her face her anxiety as well as a troubled friendship.
Ballet is Florencia del Lago’s entire world. After years of hard work, she is chosen as Clara in the winter production of The Nutcracker. Not only is she the youngest dancer to receive such an honor but also the first Latina. She’s on track to be recruited by the best ballet companies.
Unfortunately, she suffers a panic attack on opening night–on stage, in front of everyone. And then Selena, Florencia’s best friend, steps right into the role to replace her. Just like that, Florencia’s whole world falls apart–the ballet studio expels her, and her best friend turns on her, tormenting her on social media and in real life.
But even though the one thing she was driven toward has come to an end, therapy and family support help Florencia open up to new experiences. She notices people at school she’s never paid attention to before, and she even stumbles upon an Irish dance school and decides to give it a try. Can a new passion for Irish dance help Florencia find the joy of performing on the stage that she lost that fateful winter night?
4 Starred Reviews!
“This age is difficult to capture, and Méndez portrays it beautifully; Florencia has very grown-up feelings and actions interspersed with childlike observances. . . . Seeing a fellow tween navigate a difficult time will inspire not just dancers but any young person finding their way back to themselves.” — Booklist, starred review
“A beautifully realized book that reminds readers that there's more than one rhythm to dance to.” — Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“Méndez examines the toll that participating in elite dance has on one child's friendships and mental health in this emotionally raw and honest offering.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review
“An impactful and nuanced look at childhood mental health and the pressures children sometimes face when pursuing their passions at an early age. . . . Méndez brings a compassionate lens to Florencia's struggles. There is no magic wand to remove the attacks entirely, and not all her relationships survive, but Florencia finds supporters willing to stand in her corner and she learns that a true passion never fades. ” — Shelf Awareness, starred review
Valid online only at leeandlow.com. May not be combined with other offers or discounts. Offer valid through June 30, 2025.
Yamile Saied Méndez is the award-winning author of many books for young readers and adults, including Furia, Where Are You From?, the Horse Country series, and On These Magic Shores, among others. She was born and raised in Rosario, Argentina, but has lived most of her life in a lovely valley surrounded by mountains in Utah. She's a graduate of the Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA Writing program, and a founding member of Las Musas, a marketing collective of Latine writers. Connect with her at yamilesmendez.com.
