Ballet Besties: Indu’s Time to Shine
Written by Yasmine Naghdi
Illustrated by Paula Franco
Published by Candlewick
Indu loves learning ballet at her local community dance school, but unlike her friends, she doesn’t want to be a principal dancer when she grows up. While she’s a bit afraid of being on stage, dancing is still one of her favorite hobbies.
When the class has the chance to see the ballet Cinderella put on professionally, Indu realizes the other way she’s different—her mom can’t afford the ticket. Indu figures out a way to go, but it makes her think: Aren’t there other kids out there who want to learn ballet and can’t? Shouldn’t ballet be for everyone?
From a principal dancer with the Royal Ballet and an award-winning children’s author comes an engaging story of friendship, responsibility, and teamwork, with back matter explaining the various dance techniques and more. Black-and-white illustrations bring a diverse group of characters to life.
Part of the Ballet Besties series.
Primary ISBN: 9781536243802
Publication Date: September 2025
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook
Chapter Book, Age 07 or older
Community Represented: Indian/Indian American
Themes: Arts, Community Action, Cross-Group Friendship, Discrimination: Economic, Format: Audiobook, Immigrant: Economic, Own Voices/Lived Experience
Setting: Unspecified
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
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