Beautiful Ballerina
(by Marilyn Nelson/ illus. by Susan Kuklin, Scholastic $17.99 Score:)

Homage to young African American ballerinas in the making, this is a beautiful poem illustrated with endearing photographs. Four young dancers: a preschooler, a schoolgirl, and two older girls are captured in expressive movements that resonate with the lyrical poetry. The photographs reflect their love of the dance and their aspirations in a kind of quiet beauty young dancers are sure to relate to. 

Age: Preschool, Early School Years. Award Year: 2009. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Dancing in the Wings
(by Debbie Allen/illus. by Kadir Nelson, Dial $16.99 Score:) Sassy dreams of being a ballerina but she's teased by her friends that her legs are too long and her feet are too big. In the end, a ballet director sees her potential and Sassy, not her friends, gets to attend the dance festival. Talks to believing in yourself and your dreams. 6 & up.

Age: Early School Years. Award Year: 2001.

Once Upon a Time in Chicago
(by Jonah Winter/illus. by Jeanette Winter, Hyperion $14.99 Score:) Benny Goodman's father was a poor Jewish immigrant with dreams for his children's future. He doesn't live to see those dreams come true, but through music, Goodman's legend lives on. This is not as compelling as WInter's book about Rivera, but it introduces young readers to a musical giant. 7 and up.

Age: Early School Years,Later School Years. Award Year: 2001.

Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin
(by Lloyd Moss/illus. by Marjorie Priceman, Simon & Schuster $14.95 Score:) With witty verse and playful illustrations, this is a lyrical introduction to musical instruments and musical groups. From solo to chamber orchestra, this is also a noteworthy counting book. 5-9.

Age: Preschool,Early School Years. Award Year: 1996.

I Dreamed I was a Ballerina
(by Anna Pavlova/illus. by Edgar Degas, Atheneum $18 Score:) Inspired by a performance of Sleeping Beauty, this is a brief girlhood memoir of the famous ballerina accompanied by paintings by Degas. Who knows what future ballerina this may inspire?

Age: Early School Years. Award Year: 2002.