DARE YOU TO DANCE, by Rebecca Mock, Random House Graphic, July 28, 2026, Hardcover, $21.99, Paperback, $14.99 (ages 8-12)
A small-town ballerina sets out to make her mark at a prestigious dance workshop in Dare You to Dance, a middle-grade graphic novel by Rebecca Mock.
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? —Synopsis provided by Random House Graphic
It’s surprising we haven’t had a ballet graphic novel like Dare You to Dance before now. And now that it’s here, it’s destined to become a favorite with young dancers everywhere.
Dare You to Dance is a book that will resonate with anyone who has ever attended a dance camp, workshop or challenging class. Author Rebecca Mock understands the stereotypes, the stresses, the dreams and the competition. And she captures all the elements with ease.
Dare You to Dance is a book about ballet for ballet dancers. While those not familiar with dance terms can enjoy it, they won’t have the same experience as someone who has stood at a bar with French terms thrown at them at break-neck speed.
Mock studied dance as a child and has a love for ballet. That underlying knowledge comes into play with their illustrations, which accurately portray moves and positions with energy and excitement.
Much like Johnnie Christmas’ Swim Team was for swimmers, Dare You to Dance is sure to be a hit with dancers young and old.
Copyright © 2026 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.
