For a preteen grappling with big life choices, this book explores how one girl balances a beloved passion with family commitments and discovers what truly matters.
A parent might reach for this book when their child is struggling to balance a beloved hobby with growing family responsibilities. Set in 1980s New York City, 'Maybe Next Year' tells the story of Kate, a girl devoted to ballet who lives with her grandmother. When her grandmother's health begins to decline, Kate finds her dance schedule in direct conflict with the needs of the person she loves most. The book gently explores themes of family love, self-identity, and redefining your dreams. It's a poignant and realistic story for preteens learning that commitment and passion can take many forms, and that the most important choices are often made with the heart.
The book deals directly with the theme of an aging grandparent experiencing cognitive and physical decline. The approach is gentle, secular, and viewed entirely through the child's perspective of love, confusion, and growing responsibility. The resolution is not a magical fix but a realistic and hopeful recalibration of dreams and family commitment.
Ideal Reader
This book is perfect for a thoughtful, empathetic child aged 9-12 who is deeply invested in a hobby or passion. It will especially resonate with a child who has a close relationship with an aging grandparent or is beginning to understand that adult life involves complex choices and responsibilities.
Parent Prep
No specific preparation is needed; the book can be read cold. However, a parent should be prepared for conversations about aging, memory loss, and the idea that sometimes we have to change our plans or dreams for the people we love. It's a good springboard for talking about what makes a family strong. A parent has heard their child say, "But I'll miss my practice!" in response to a family need, and the parent wants to explore the feelings of frustration and guilt that can arise. It's also a great choice when a grandparent's health is changing, and the parent wants to start a conversation about empathy.
Age Experience
A younger reader (8-9) will connect with Kate's love for ballet and her sadness about Nana's changes. An older reader (10-12) will better appreciate the complexity of Kate's choice, the theme of personal sacrifice, and the mature way she redefines her own identity and happiness.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many contemporary books that push a 'you can have it all' narrative, this book's quiet, character-driven plot validates a different choice. Its uniqueness lies in its gentle, realistic portrayal of a child choosing family over a personal dream, framing it not as a failure, but as an act of love and a different kind of success. The nostalgic 1980s New York setting adds a timeless, classic feel.
Read plot summary
Kate is a preteen living with her grandmother, Nana, on Manhattan's Upper West Side. Her life revolves around her passion for ballet. As the story progresses, Nana's health and memory begin to fail, requiring more of Kate's time and attention. Kate is forced to confront the conflict between her personal ambitions as a dancer and her deep love and responsibility for her grandmother, leading her to make a mature and difficult decision about her priorities.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Kate's grandmother, Nana, starts to become more forgetful and needs more help. How does this change Kate's daily life and her feelings about her responsibilities at home?
2
At one point, Kate feels torn between going to her ballet class and staying with Nana. Have you ever felt like you had to choose between something you wanted to do and something you needed to do for your family?
3
By the end of the book, Kate makes a big decision about her dancing. Do you think it was the right choice for her? Why or why not?
4
The title of the book is 'Maybe Next Year'. What do you think this title means for Kate and her dream of being a dancer?
