Just Dance

Patricia MacLachlan's 'Just Dance' is a lyrical coming-of-age story perfect for middle-grade readers aged 8-12. It follows Sylvie Bloom, a young girl living on a Wyoming farm, who feels her life is too ordinary. Her summer takes an unexpected turn when she's tasked with writing a newspaper column, reporting on the happenings of her small town. This new challenge not only opens her eyes to the richness of her community but also prompts her to explore her mother's past as a world-renowned opera singer, leading Sylvie to question her mother's choices and her own place in the family. The book gently explores themes of identity, family love, and finding wonder in the everyday.

Sylvie Bloom wants to find something new and exciting this summer at least more exciting than the cows, goats, and chickens on her family s farm that she s become accustomed to. Luckily, Sylvie s teacher Mrs. Ludolf has the perfect idea. Sylvie can take over her husband Sheriff Ludolf s column in the newspaper for the summer, reporting on all the important events that happen in their small Wyoming town. Sylvie is thrilled to have a new challenge, but she s not sure she ll actually see anything amazing. At least nothing like the things her mother saw when she traveled the world as a famous opera singer.