Martee Dares to Dance

K-Gr 3–A heartfelt picture book for older readers. Martee struggles with the fear of attending the Halloween school dance. He loves to dance, but he has been made fun of before and does not want to risk being embarrassed again. Martee’s friends and Lola offer care and support. In a dream sequence where Martee processes his fears through a meeting with a martian, readers watch his confidence grow with each picture. The authors handle a relatable issue with kindness and creativity, and illustrations vividly depict Martee’s struggle to allow himself to enjoy his creative expression through dance. Although the book is tied to Halloween, it can be shared any time to teach not only the power of self-expression, but also the ability to show others understanding and support. Martee and Lola have brown skin, and other characters are depicted with a variety of skin tones.