My Seventh-Grade Life in Tights Paperback – April 11, 2017

Have you ever met one of those exuberant, charming people who can get away with absolutely anything, including wrapping you in a bear hug and planting a big, slobbery kiss on your cheek just minutes after making your acquaintance (and it feels right)? That’s this book. It’s going to be your future best friend in a matter of paragraphs, and it does it in a way that’s unexpectedly funny and completely lovable.This is one of the best middle grade books I’ve read in ages, and it made me desperately miss my past middle school library. I wanted to run right back to school, welcome myself into the library, and start handing this book out to students. The best part is that I could give it to absolutely everyone, because this isn’t a story that will appeal to only one type of student or reader. It has widespread appeal.The voice is perfection, and the characters are diverse. I know all different types of people are going to see some of themselves in this novel, which is what makes a story epic. I want to hug this book every time I walk past it, because it’s the kind of story that is honest and heartfelt. It makes you feel good, deep down inside, for a long time. I laughed out loud so many times and had to set the book down once, until I could pull myself back together.As an added perk, the design work is incredible. It’s hard not to be happy every time you start another chapter, because the dancers are a lot of fun.I have waited to get my hands on this story for 2+ years, as I have tracked its progress since it was pitched in a contest. Sometimes, that kind of build up can be dangerous, because the longer I wait, the more my expectations rise. In this case, the wait was worth every second, because I adored this story and these characters. It exceeded my hopes and expectations, and it reminded me that it’s worth my time to step away from the YA world sometimes and revisit the land of MG, especially for a story like this.This is not just a story for middle school kids though. It’s a story that everyone could love and find something to relate to. Also, it makes me want to dance, just for the sheer joy of it.

Bought for this for my wife. This is her review:I am not into dance, never was, never will be, but this book is a great and totally relatable read. I could write a bunch of stuff about the plot, but you can read that for yourself in the description. I like this book because I think it would have been relevant to me in middle school in the 90s, it's relevant now, and will be for years. I expect my kids will love this book when they're in middle school. If you've ever embarrassed yourself, competed in anything, tried to figure out who you are, had a major middle school crush, or wanted your parents to understand you, then this book applies to you. It also deals with one of the biggest dilemmas in middle school, and I'm not talking about the difference between right and wrong. I'm talking about struggling with decisions that have repercussions that could end friendships, affect your future, destroy reputations, or bring you happiness (all that earth shattering teen stuff). That being said, the book is not depressing or intensely deep. It deals with it in a lighthearted and funny fashion. I seriously grinned the whole last thirty pages or so. The characters are so fun, I love those kids to pieces. It was just an overall fun read, and I'm looking forward to more books by this author.And I read a review on here that said the reviewer lived in a rural area and had 15 dance studios within a 20 mile radius, wow. That's great! I remember when I visited friends up North in Milwaukee and found out how many gymnastics, cheer, and dance schools were up there, and seriously couldn't believe it. They were as plentiful as Zumba classes here in the South. Blew my mind. So, I had no problem with the idea of there being limited dance studios in the area. Seemed legit to me.

What a great book! It has so much heart, the characters leap off the page, and Dylan's journey is one all middle schoolers can relate to. It's funny, sweet, charming, and sincere. What's more- it feels real. I can totally imagine my middle school students filming dance videos in their basements, and taking a stand against the big, bad dance studio who's out to get them. I love that the interpersonal drama is just as important as the circumstantial drama, without overshadowing it. This book does not tackle huge, deep worldwide depressing issues, and I love it for that. It's a book about a boy who's doing his best to discover who he wants to be and pursue it. I highly recommend it to all late elementary or middle schoolers, or, heck, anyone who has ever wanted to be on a dance crew!