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The Brinkley Yearbooks #3
School Dance
Get ready to brave the most intimidating event of all time—the middle school dance—easier said than done for Milo, who is convinced he can't dance because he's cursed. Another yearbook-worthy graphic novel from the creator of the Brinkley Yearbook series and bestselling Picture Day!
Milo wants to get excited for the school dance, but he can’t—because he’s cursed. Every time he tries to dance, something goes horribly wrong. Like at his cousin's wedding, when he tripped into the cake... Or on Halloween, when he nearly got a concussion after an ill-timed wipeout...
His best friends, Al and Viv, are determined to help Milo break the curse—and find the confidence to enjoy the dance. And they're not alone, because Milo's abuela, a legendary dancer, is moving in. Abuela knows Milo has what it takes to follow in her—literal—footsteps.
But with several new mishaps in his way, does Milo have any chance of putting his best foot forward?
Readers won't want to miss this next installment in the Brinkley Yearbooks series that's all about finding your footing, your confience, and yourself!
Look for the whole Brinkley Yearbooks
PICTURE DAY • TRYOUTS • SCHOOL DANCE
Milo wants to get excited for the school dance, but he can’t—because he’s cursed. Every time he tries to dance, something goes horribly wrong. Like at his cousin's wedding, when he tripped into the cake... Or on Halloween, when he nearly got a concussion after an ill-timed wipeout...
His best friends, Al and Viv, are determined to help Milo break the curse—and find the confidence to enjoy the dance. And they're not alone, because Milo's abuela, a legendary dancer, is moving in. Abuela knows Milo has what it takes to follow in her—literal—footsteps.
But with several new mishaps in his way, does Milo have any chance of putting his best foot forward?
Readers won't want to miss this next installment in the Brinkley Yearbooks series that's all about finding your footing, your confience, and yourself!
Look for the whole Brinkley Yearbooks
PICTURE DAY • TRYOUTS • SCHOOL DANCE
129 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 26, 2025
239 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
January 4, 2026
3.5⭐
A wholesome read that I liked better than Picture Day. I found Milo to be an endearing and sympathetic protagonist, though Viv also has a cute subplot here! The vibrant art and colours made this an even more breezy and enjoyable book.
A wholesome read that I liked better than Picture Day. I found Milo to be an endearing and sympathetic protagonist, though Viv also has a cute subplot here! The vibrant art and colours made this an even more breezy and enjoyable book.
September 11, 2025
I really appreciate Sarah Sax's style and approach to these stories for middle schoolers--they're grounded and relatable, while still being fun and creative.
Thank you so much to the publisher for providing this eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you so much to the publisher for providing this eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!
July 9, 2025
•𝐅𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐎𝐋 𝐃𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄
1. If you enjoy graphic novels, I recommend picking this one up!
2. Do you have a grandma who would do anything for you? So does Milo!
3. Have you ever felt that you were letting your family down? Milo has, and does whatever he can to make them proud.
4. Best friends are hard to come by, and Milo really has the best. If you can relate, read this graphic novel!
5. If you have a middle schooler, they’ll love this story!
1. If you enjoy graphic novels, I recommend picking this one up!
2. Do you have a grandma who would do anything for you? So does Milo!
3. Have you ever felt that you were letting your family down? Milo has, and does whatever he can to make them proud.
4. Best friends are hard to come by, and Milo really has the best. If you can relate, read this graphic novel!
5. If you have a middle schooler, they’ll love this story!
September 14, 2025
School Dance by Sarah Sax is the third book in her graphic novel series. While I haven’t read the previous installments, I found that this book stands on its own and is perfectly readable without prior knowledge. That said, I suspect that readers who are the intended audience—likely middle-grade students—would enjoy it far more than I did. For me, the story was enjoyable but somewhat forgettable.
The story follows Milo, a middle schooler who often feels out of place, especially when it comes to dancing. He believes that he has “the curse,” which seems to prevent him from developing any skills and inevitably leads to mishaps. When his school announces a Snowflake Dance, Milo decides to take matters into his own hands and attempts to break the curse.
One of the strongest aspects of this book is its portrayal of family. Milo’s interactions with his family members are heartwarming and genuine, showing a family that not only supports him but also embraces individuality. I especially appreciated how Milo and his family’s uniqueness is celebrated—a message that feels particularly important in stories set in school, where children often struggle to express themselves.
Overall, while School Dance may not have been my personal favorite, it delivers positive messages about self-expression, family, and embracing your quirks. For readers navigating middle school life, it’s a relatable and encouraging read.
The story follows Milo, a middle schooler who often feels out of place, especially when it comes to dancing. He believes that he has “the curse,” which seems to prevent him from developing any skills and inevitably leads to mishaps. When his school announces a Snowflake Dance, Milo decides to take matters into his own hands and attempts to break the curse.
One of the strongest aspects of this book is its portrayal of family. Milo’s interactions with his family members are heartwarming and genuine, showing a family that not only supports him but also embraces individuality. I especially appreciated how Milo and his family’s uniqueness is celebrated—a message that feels particularly important in stories set in school, where children often struggle to express themselves.
Overall, while School Dance may not have been my personal favorite, it delivers positive messages about self-expression, family, and embracing your quirks. For readers navigating middle school life, it’s a relatable and encouraging read.
September 16, 2025
I enjoyed reading about Milo and his Grandmother. Milo’s family are all great dancers, but Milo does not any natural ability. His grandmother is determined to fix the problem. Looking forward to more books by this author.
May 11, 2025
5 stars
Prediction: Milo will steal your heart. And then Abuela will, too!
I learned just before starting this charming graphic novel that it is the third in the Brinkley Yearbook series. It's important to know that I have not read the preceding two installments and that this book read just fine as a standalone. I enjoyed it so much that I'll definitely read its predecessors and will update this review if the previous two become fundamental to understanding this one in hindsight (though I suspect that will not be the case).
Milo is an utterly charming character, and he faces various issues that his middle grade audience will relate to enthusiastically. When readers meet Milo, he is on the way to a party, lamenting to his parents that his dance skills are so lacking that he actually believes he is cursed. While he does provide pretty good support for this theory, more seasoned readers will know that dancing with enjoyment requires some level of self confidence, and that is really what Milo needs to build.
While Milo struggles with finding and being himself, the best possible facilitator comes into his space: his abuela! Abuela is a hilarious and warm character, and she is just who and what Milo needs to mature in this particular way. Also, she brings so many added complications and important lessons into Milo's space, including when to tell the truth and how much of it to share, how to be responsible, and how to build empathy for and understanding of others. Milo also has great friends, a supportive brother, and solid parents, including a dad whose "gym talk" sequence is the funniest thing I've seen and read in a long time (as basically a gym bro myself).
I wasn't expecting to be so moved or to find so many layers in this middle grade graphic novel, but it obviously really got to me. I'll recommend this to my students, but I will also be recommending it to the target audience, teachers and guardians of that audience, and folks who love a graphic novel in general.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Knopf Books for Young Readers for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Prediction: Milo will steal your heart. And then Abuela will, too!
I learned just before starting this charming graphic novel that it is the third in the Brinkley Yearbook series. It's important to know that I have not read the preceding two installments and that this book read just fine as a standalone. I enjoyed it so much that I'll definitely read its predecessors and will update this review if the previous two become fundamental to understanding this one in hindsight (though I suspect that will not be the case).
Milo is an utterly charming character, and he faces various issues that his middle grade audience will relate to enthusiastically. When readers meet Milo, he is on the way to a party, lamenting to his parents that his dance skills are so lacking that he actually believes he is cursed. While he does provide pretty good support for this theory, more seasoned readers will know that dancing with enjoyment requires some level of self confidence, and that is really what Milo needs to build.
While Milo struggles with finding and being himself, the best possible facilitator comes into his space: his abuela! Abuela is a hilarious and warm character, and she is just who and what Milo needs to mature in this particular way. Also, she brings so many added complications and important lessons into Milo's space, including when to tell the truth and how much of it to share, how to be responsible, and how to build empathy for and understanding of others. Milo also has great friends, a supportive brother, and solid parents, including a dad whose "gym talk" sequence is the funniest thing I've seen and read in a long time (as basically a gym bro myself).
I wasn't expecting to be so moved or to find so many layers in this middle grade graphic novel, but it obviously really got to me. I'll recommend this to my students, but I will also be recommending it to the target audience, teachers and guardians of that audience, and folks who love a graphic novel in general.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Knopf Books for Young Readers for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
May 22, 2025
E ARC provided by Netgalley
Milo Castillo is dreading the school winter formal because every time he has tried to dance, it has ended in disaster. He shares this fear with his friends Al from The Tryouts and Viv from Picture Day, as well as his parents, but everyone thinks he should still just try to do his best. His dad was a champion dancer when he was Milo’s age and encourages him to just enjoy himself. He tries, but when he has another disastrous experience at his friend Ollie’s Bar Mitzvah party, where he not only wears a suit to a beach themed party, but is also put in the spotlight to dance and freezes, he’s ready to give up. His abuela Dalia is moving in with the family, since the friend with whom she has been living since her husband’s death is getting married, and since Milo and his grandmother are very close, she offers to help him. Another chance to get better comes when a local dance studio partners with the school to offer lessons to the students, but Milo’s “curse” also puts the kibosh on that opportunity. Milo’s brother Max is away at college, but sometimes video chats with him to give him advice. Dalia steps up to help, and drives Milo and his friends out to a performance by a band that helps inspire Milo to “feel” the music and enjoy dancing. Of course, the grandmother is NOT supposed to be driving without an adult in the car, as she has become less reliable in navigating around town in her vintage car, Carla. When Milo finally feels better about his skills, he prepares for the dance, even wearing his father’s jacket from dance competitions in his youth. The original tie is missing, and Dalia is determined to pop out to get another one. Milo sees her leaving and decides to go with her, after texting his parents that she is driving. The weather is bad, and there are a lot of geese on the roads, and Dalia managed to drive off the road and get Carla stuck. Luckily, his parents arrive soon, and everyone is able to get to the dance, which ends up being a good time for all involved.
Strengths: Since I became grandmother, I’ve been having a lot of conversations with students about what they enjoy about their own. Dalia is a great character with a fascinating backstory and a fabulous car. Even though Milo’s household is upended with her move, they are all glad to have her, and her problems are fairly minimal. Since I had to take my father’s car away from him a few years before he died at the age of 88, the progression of this part of the plot rang very true. Younger readers will be more interested in Milo’s idea that he has a curse, and his embracing of dancing. It’s fun to see different characters from earlier books explored, and I’m curious to see if we will learn more about Ollie in the next book.
Weaknesses: I didn’t quite understand the objection to the Snowball Soiree theme of the dance, and felt I was missing something about the weather in Brinkley Middle School’s town. Also, there are a ton of geese where I live, and I’ve never had a problem with them in traffic.
What I really think: Miller’s Click series or Chmakova’s Berrybrook Middle School saga. I’d love to see more graphic novels with boys as the main characters, especially if they also involve sports.
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
Milo Castillo is dreading the school winter formal because every time he has tried to dance, it has ended in disaster. He shares this fear with his friends Al from The Tryouts and Viv from Picture Day, as well as his parents, but everyone thinks he should still just try to do his best. His dad was a champion dancer when he was Milo’s age and encourages him to just enjoy himself. He tries, but when he has another disastrous experience at his friend Ollie’s Bar Mitzvah party, where he not only wears a suit to a beach themed party, but is also put in the spotlight to dance and freezes, he’s ready to give up. His abuela Dalia is moving in with the family, since the friend with whom she has been living since her husband’s death is getting married, and since Milo and his grandmother are very close, she offers to help him. Another chance to get better comes when a local dance studio partners with the school to offer lessons to the students, but Milo’s “curse” also puts the kibosh on that opportunity. Milo’s brother Max is away at college, but sometimes video chats with him to give him advice. Dalia steps up to help, and drives Milo and his friends out to a performance by a band that helps inspire Milo to “feel” the music and enjoy dancing. Of course, the grandmother is NOT supposed to be driving without an adult in the car, as she has become less reliable in navigating around town in her vintage car, Carla. When Milo finally feels better about his skills, he prepares for the dance, even wearing his father’s jacket from dance competitions in his youth. The original tie is missing, and Dalia is determined to pop out to get another one. Milo sees her leaving and decides to go with her, after texting his parents that she is driving. The weather is bad, and there are a lot of geese on the roads, and Dalia managed to drive off the road and get Carla stuck. Luckily, his parents arrive soon, and everyone is able to get to the dance, which ends up being a good time for all involved.
Strengths: Since I became grandmother, I’ve been having a lot of conversations with students about what they enjoy about their own. Dalia is a great character with a fascinating backstory and a fabulous car. Even though Milo’s household is upended with her move, they are all glad to have her, and her problems are fairly minimal. Since I had to take my father’s car away from him a few years before he died at the age of 88, the progression of this part of the plot rang very true. Younger readers will be more interested in Milo’s idea that he has a curse, and his embracing of dancing. It’s fun to see different characters from earlier books explored, and I’m curious to see if we will learn more about Ollie in the next book.
Weaknesses: I didn’t quite understand the objection to the Snowball Soiree theme of the dance, and felt I was missing something about the weather in Brinkley Middle School’s town. Also, there are a ton of geese where I live, and I’ve never had a problem with them in traffic.
What I really think: Miller’s Click series or Chmakova’s Berrybrook Middle School saga. I’d love to see more graphic novels with boys as the main characters, especially if they also involve sports.
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
September 18, 2025
The third installment of the Brinkley Yearbooks series about a trio of middle school friends focuses on Milo Castillo, a shy, creative boy who is convinced he is living under a curse. Milo wants to dance, but every time he tries, disaster ensues; his performance at a recent bar mitzvah party seems to uphold his curse theory. So he is distressed at the announcement of the upcoming “Snowball Soiree” at school, especially when after-school dance lessons prove disastrous as well. His friends, especially Viv and Al, are encouraging but not sure how to help. They work together to plan the dance and make decorations, and at every meeting talk about ways to get Milo comfortable on the dance floor.
On the home front, Milo lives with his parents, and his brother is away at college. His father was a champion dancer as a teen, and insists that Milo was “born with fire in (his) feet.” Milo is excited that his Abuela is moving in with them; she is also convinced that Milo has inherited the ‘Castillo Spirit,’ and just needs a little nudge to find his forte. Abue is not supposed to be driving, but she secretly takes Milo, Viv, and Al to a dance studio where Tejano music finally gets his feet moving in the right direction. Even though Milo feels guilty keeping the driving a secret from his parents, he loves spending time with Abue and blossoms under her tutelage. When Papa finds his embroidered jacket from his Fancy Footwork competitions, Milo feels ready to go to the Snowball Soiree, but a last-minute mishap may put his plans on ice.
School Dance strikes a perfect balance between dual plot lines - the intergenerational bonding and mild conflict in the Castillo home and the typical early teen angst that arises when a big social function is on the calendar. Milo interacts with all of his family members in authentic and heartfelt scenes, including on Facetime with his college brother Max when he needs a pre-dance pep talk; readers will likely empathize with how he chafes under paternal pressure, and find his connection with Abue really touching. School scenes are equally realistic: Viv and Al are supportive friends to Milo (as are most of their secondary character classmates), but running jokes about Al’s desire for some real winter weather and Viv’s crush on the popular Cal also provide some comic relief. Comic panels of varying sizes are bursting with activity, onomatopoeia, bright colors, and a diverse cast of characters depicted with expressive faces and body language. The author shares a little bit of her inspiration for Milo’s story in a note at the back. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
On the home front, Milo lives with his parents, and his brother is away at college. His father was a champion dancer as a teen, and insists that Milo was “born with fire in (his) feet.” Milo is excited that his Abuela is moving in with them; she is also convinced that Milo has inherited the ‘Castillo Spirit,’ and just needs a little nudge to find his forte. Abue is not supposed to be driving, but she secretly takes Milo, Viv, and Al to a dance studio where Tejano music finally gets his feet moving in the right direction. Even though Milo feels guilty keeping the driving a secret from his parents, he loves spending time with Abue and blossoms under her tutelage. When Papa finds his embroidered jacket from his Fancy Footwork competitions, Milo feels ready to go to the Snowball Soiree, but a last-minute mishap may put his plans on ice.
School Dance strikes a perfect balance between dual plot lines - the intergenerational bonding and mild conflict in the Castillo home and the typical early teen angst that arises when a big social function is on the calendar. Milo interacts with all of his family members in authentic and heartfelt scenes, including on Facetime with his college brother Max when he needs a pre-dance pep talk; readers will likely empathize with how he chafes under paternal pressure, and find his connection with Abue really touching. School scenes are equally realistic: Viv and Al are supportive friends to Milo (as are most of their secondary character classmates), but running jokes about Al’s desire for some real winter weather and Viv’s crush on the popular Cal also provide some comic relief. Comic panels of varying sizes are bursting with activity, onomatopoeia, bright colors, and a diverse cast of characters depicted with expressive faces and body language. The author shares a little bit of her inspiration for Milo’s story in a note at the back. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
September 13, 2025
Okay, real talk—if you’ve ever felt like the universe was out to embarrass you in front of your entire school, then School Dance by Sarah Sax is going to feel like your diary got turned into a novel. Milo, our lovable disaster magnet, is convinced he’s cursed. And honestly? After face-planting into a wedding cake and nearly concussing himself on Halloween, I don’t blame him. But what makes this story shine isn’t just the slapstick moments (though they’re hilarious)—it’s the heart behind them.
Milo’s journey to the dance floor is about more than just avoiding catastrophe. It’s about friendship, family, and finding the courage to show up as your full, awkward self. Al and Viv, his ride-or-die besties, are the kind of friends every tween deserves—supportive, slightly chaotic, and totally determined to help Milo break his “curse.” And then there’s Abuela. Oh, Abuela! She’s the kind of grandparent who brings wisdom, rhythm, and just the right amount of sass. Her belief in Milo is the emotional anchor of the story, and I adored every scene she was in.
As someone who’s tripped over her own feet more times than she’d like to admit (don’t ask about the time I tried Zumba at the Merivale community centre), I felt seen by Milo’s struggles. Sarah Sax nails that tween feeling of wanting to fit in but also stand out, of being terrified and excited all at once. And the school dance? It’s not just a party—it’s a metaphor for stepping into who you are, even if your moves are more “flailing octopus” than “smooth operator.”
Perfect for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid , Dork Diaries or Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life, School Dance is a laugh-out-loud, feel-good read that reminds us all: confidence isn’t about being perfect—it’s about showing up anyway.
So grab your glitter gel pens, blast your favorite playlist, and get ready to cheer Milo on. Because sometimes, the best dance moves come after a few epic wipeouts.
Milo’s journey to the dance floor is about more than just avoiding catastrophe. It’s about friendship, family, and finding the courage to show up as your full, awkward self. Al and Viv, his ride-or-die besties, are the kind of friends every tween deserves—supportive, slightly chaotic, and totally determined to help Milo break his “curse.” And then there’s Abuela. Oh, Abuela! She’s the kind of grandparent who brings wisdom, rhythm, and just the right amount of sass. Her belief in Milo is the emotional anchor of the story, and I adored every scene she was in.
As someone who’s tripped over her own feet more times than she’d like to admit (don’t ask about the time I tried Zumba at the Merivale community centre), I felt seen by Milo’s struggles. Sarah Sax nails that tween feeling of wanting to fit in but also stand out, of being terrified and excited all at once. And the school dance? It’s not just a party—it’s a metaphor for stepping into who you are, even if your moves are more “flailing octopus” than “smooth operator.”
Perfect for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid , Dork Diaries or Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life, School Dance is a laugh-out-loud, feel-good read that reminds us all: confidence isn’t about being perfect—it’s about showing up anyway.
So grab your glitter gel pens, blast your favorite playlist, and get ready to cheer Milo on. Because sometimes, the best dance moves come after a few epic wipeouts.
September 21, 2025
I tried very hard to like this more than I did. There was nothing overall wrong with the story or the characters, and the artwork is consistent with most of the middle school books that this one is "up against" for readership. I just didn't love it like I wanted to.
Milo is another middle schooler trying to figure out how to fit in without losing himself and the things that make him unique. And he is also coping with insecurity in social circumstances, especially because he can't dance. He interprets all of the situations where things go wrong as him bringing bad luck, and I can certainly see how that would be. My biggest beef with this story is that his parents don't actually help him in any way until his grandmother shows up. They are the ones who are forcing him down a path and not listening to him. Which works for the story, but it makes me question the parents especially since they have an almost full about face without coming to terms with their own negative behaviours. Sigh. And the other piece of this story that I really wrestled with was the grandmother who insisted her grandson keep secret the fact that she was driving despite it not being safe. I did understand that she was in denial over her aging and fighting children who were trying to parent her - I am at the same stage with my own parents to a lesser degree - but ultimately, she does know that she is not the best driver without someone there to copilot and yet she still puts her grandson and his friends at risk by driving them. Ugh.
That being said, this is a story about a boy learning to get over his fears and to embrace his family origins in order to dance. The characters from the other two books in the series are present of course, because they are Milo's friends too. And that ties everything together. I do think this series is a good follow up in the Crush series for a middle school or upper elementary reader who likes those stories.
* I received an ARC via NetGalley.
Milo is another middle schooler trying to figure out how to fit in without losing himself and the things that make him unique. And he is also coping with insecurity in social circumstances, especially because he can't dance. He interprets all of the situations where things go wrong as him bringing bad luck, and I can certainly see how that would be. My biggest beef with this story is that his parents don't actually help him in any way until his grandmother shows up. They are the ones who are forcing him down a path and not listening to him. Which works for the story, but it makes me question the parents especially since they have an almost full about face without coming to terms with their own negative behaviours. Sigh. And the other piece of this story that I really wrestled with was the grandmother who insisted her grandson keep secret the fact that she was driving despite it not being safe. I did understand that she was in denial over her aging and fighting children who were trying to parent her - I am at the same stage with my own parents to a lesser degree - but ultimately, she does know that she is not the best driver without someone there to copilot and yet she still puts her grandson and his friends at risk by driving them. Ugh.
That being said, this is a story about a boy learning to get over his fears and to embrace his family origins in order to dance. The characters from the other two books in the series are present of course, because they are Milo's friends too. And that ties everything together. I do think this series is a good follow up in the Crush series for a middle school or upper elementary reader who likes those stories.
* I received an ARC via NetGalley.
July 18, 2025
School Dance by Sarah Sax is another win from the author of Picture Day and Tryouts, which are already huge hits in our school library—so I was really excited to check this one out! The story follows Milo, who’s convinced he’s cursed when it comes to dancing. Every time he tries, something embarrassing or awkward happens, and it’s left him super self-conscious. But over time, Milo starts to realize that dancing isn’t about being perfect—it’s about letting go and just feeling the music. That message really comes through in such a heartfelt and relatable way.
There’s also a great storyline with Milo’s grandma (Abue), who moves in with his family. She’s struggling a bit with her independence while Milo’s parents keep trying to protect her. Meanwhile, Milo and Abue are sneaking off to her secret dance lessons—which creates this sweet, slightly tense dynamic. Milo ends up stuck in the middle, trying to do the right thing for everyone but ultimately learning that his own happiness matters, too. The illustrations are absolutely captivating—colorful, expressive, and full of energy. This is definitely a graphic novel I’ll be adding to our school library collection!
There’s also a great storyline with Milo’s grandma (Abue), who moves in with his family. She’s struggling a bit with her independence while Milo’s parents keep trying to protect her. Meanwhile, Milo and Abue are sneaking off to her secret dance lessons—which creates this sweet, slightly tense dynamic. Milo ends up stuck in the middle, trying to do the right thing for everyone but ultimately learning that his own happiness matters, too. The illustrations are absolutely captivating—colorful, expressive, and full of energy. This is definitely a graphic novel I’ll be adding to our school library collection!
August 24, 2025
School Dance is a smart, expressive graphic novel that captures the texture of adolescent insecurity with both humor and compassion.
The illustrations are lively and fluid. Warm tones gently underscore Milo’s emotional growth, while splashes of vibrancy inject humor without overwhelming the narrative. The dialogue has a natural rhythm, light and playful. The pacing is balanced, giving space for both slapstick moments and quieter emotional beats.
There are many lessons in School Dance that stay with you: that dancing badly can be just as meaningful as dancing well; that having a strong support system goes a long way in nudging the best version of you; and that confidence isn’t innate but something built slowly, through trust and practice—as Sax emphasizes beautifully in her author’s note. And perhaps most touching, knowing that the character of Dalia was inspired by Sax’s own grandmother, Daisy, explains why her energy feels so vivid on the page.
Highly recommend this book.
The illustrations are lively and fluid. Warm tones gently underscore Milo’s emotional growth, while splashes of vibrancy inject humor without overwhelming the narrative. The dialogue has a natural rhythm, light and playful. The pacing is balanced, giving space for both slapstick moments and quieter emotional beats.
There are many lessons in School Dance that stay with you: that dancing badly can be just as meaningful as dancing well; that having a strong support system goes a long way in nudging the best version of you; and that confidence isn’t innate but something built slowly, through trust and practice—as Sax emphasizes beautifully in her author’s note. And perhaps most touching, knowing that the character of Dalia was inspired by Sax’s own grandmother, Daisy, explains why her energy feels so vivid on the page.
Highly recommend this book.
July 31, 2025
The third book in this relatable and wonderfully diverse graphic novel series, this is a must-have for middle-school classrooms. Milo Castillo comes from a long line of talented dancers, including his father and his abuela. But dancing doesn't come naturally to him, and after a handful of embarrassing dance-related incidents, Milo is even less confident about dancing. Blaming his problems on a curse, he decides that he will avoid the activity at all costs. But when his beloved abuela moves in, she takes him under her wing and helps him gain confidence and add his own special touches. The illustrations are crisp and fresh, and there are even a couple of interesting subplots involving his abuela's driving when she shouldn't be and one friend's crush on another classmate. The Brinkley Snowball Soiree will never be the same after Milo busts out his moves.
August 30, 2025
Milo’s father and grandmother were great dancers in their day, so they expect Milo to have the moves. But Milo feels he has a curse on him, because every dance event he goes to, be it a wedding, or a party, he tries to dance, and falls into things,and has a horrible time.
And when his grandmother moves in with him, she takes him aside, and tells him to just feel the music and do your own moves. That he doesn’t have to copy anyone to feel special.
I like how this story centers on Milo and how hard it is to compete with a family of great dancers,when all you want to do is have a good time.
And, seeing as this is middle grade, this is also about friendship.
Thanks to Netalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book came out on August 26th, and is available wherever you get your books.
And when his grandmother moves in with him, she takes him aside, and tells him to just feel the music and do your own moves. That he doesn’t have to copy anyone to feel special.
I like how this story centers on Milo and how hard it is to compete with a family of great dancers,when all you want to do is have a good time.
And, seeing as this is middle grade, this is also about friendship.
Thanks to Netalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book came out on August 26th, and is available wherever you get your books.
May 12, 2025
Read a free ARC from NetGalley.
I love the Brinkley Yearbook series written and illustrated by Sarah Sax. School Dance (Book #3) was no exception. Milo Castillo's family love to dance. He might love it too- if he wasn't cursed. Every time he tries to dance at a party, something embarrassing happens. His friends Viv and Al (the main characters from Picture Day and Tryouts) want to help him get the confidence to dance so he will go with them to the Brinkley Winter Formal. Milo doesn't believe he can break his dance curse until his Abuela Dalia moves in with the Castillos. They spend time together and his Abue helps him develop the confidence he needs to find joy in dancing while Milo shows her that she is still needed in their lives.
I love the Brinkley Yearbook series written and illustrated by Sarah Sax. School Dance (Book #3) was no exception. Milo Castillo's family love to dance. He might love it too- if he wasn't cursed. Every time he tries to dance at a party, something embarrassing happens. His friends Viv and Al (the main characters from Picture Day and Tryouts) want to help him get the confidence to dance so he will go with them to the Brinkley Winter Formal. Milo doesn't believe he can break his dance curse until his Abuela Dalia moves in with the Castillos. They spend time together and his Abue helps him develop the confidence he needs to find joy in dancing while Milo shows her that she is still needed in their lives.
August 29, 2025
Thank you, Toppling Stacks Tours and the publisher for a physical copy in exchange for a review.
I LOVE this graphic novel. This was my very first Brinkley Yearbooks book, but now I want to read all of them. The art is so charming and inviting, and the content is super relatable. I cannot wait to share this with my students.
I especially love seeing a supportive family AND friend group being portrayed. The themes of family and friendship are very strong in this book, but the author did a great job of bringing in conflict that everyone can relate to. Understanding how to connect with parents and finding ways to bond can be one of the most challenging aspects of growing up, and it was nice to see that addressed in this graphic novel.
I LOVE this graphic novel. This was my very first Brinkley Yearbooks book, but now I want to read all of them. The art is so charming and inviting, and the content is super relatable. I cannot wait to share this with my students.
I especially love seeing a supportive family AND friend group being portrayed. The themes of family and friendship are very strong in this book, but the author did a great job of bringing in conflict that everyone can relate to. Understanding how to connect with parents and finding ways to bond can be one of the most challenging aspects of growing up, and it was nice to see that addressed in this graphic novel.
June 27, 2025
This fun graphic novel is a continuation of a series. It can be read as a standalone or in conjunction with the others. And it can be read in any order. Our main character Milo is a klutz. They fall and trip over anything. The school dance is coming up, but they can’t dance. They don’t want to go because if they try to dance bad things will happen. This middle school has dance instructors teach people to dance but they are not successful for Milo. s. Grandma teaches Milo to dance and helps him get ready for his first dance and to go shake his blue suede shoes. This book is a great companion to the rest of the series.
July 13, 2025
I picked up the book for the silly/awkward middle school dance plot, but I stayed for the relationship between Milo and his abuela. This middle grades graphic novel packed way more of an emotional punch than I was expecting. I love the way Milo and his abuela understand each other more than the rest of their family seems to get either of them. They really see each other.
I’m worried about spoiling if I share more, so I’ll just say that I strongly recommend this graphic novel for upper elementary and middle school. It has silly moments, awkward moments, and just so, so much heart.
Thank you for NetGalley for the ARC!
I’m worried about spoiling if I share more, so I’ll just say that I strongly recommend this graphic novel for upper elementary and middle school. It has silly moments, awkward moments, and just so, so much heart.
Thank you for NetGalley for the ARC!
July 7, 2025
My students love Picture Day, and I think they will love this one as well.
Milo feels "different" because his family loves to dance while it makes him so nervous because he always does something wrong and gets embarrassed.
The characters are relatable, and the theme of being yourself is one middle grade readers need to hear.
What I liked most was Milo's family. His parents were loving, and his abuela's story was a highlight of the book.
Overall, it's a good addition to the series. Perfect for my students in grades 2-5.
Thanks to Netgalley for an e-copy of the book.
Milo feels "different" because his family loves to dance while it makes him so nervous because he always does something wrong and gets embarrassed.
The characters are relatable, and the theme of being yourself is one middle grade readers need to hear.
What I liked most was Milo's family. His parents were loving, and his abuela's story was a highlight of the book.
Overall, it's a good addition to the series. Perfect for my students in grades 2-5.
Thanks to Netgalley for an e-copy of the book.
August 27, 2025
👦🏻 review: Really one entertaining graphic novel that truly captured the essence of many middle-graders’ lives and fears. Middle-grade’s school dance and why many kids are afraid to participate. Everyone is Milo and he is absolutely one funny character that at least one kid could relate to him. The plot, illustrations, the dialogues and mostly the ending. I had the most fun laughing and enjoying this book. After reading this one, I had to find our copy of Tryouts and re-read that again. I hope other elementary to middle schoolers can read and enjoy this one too.
October 27, 2025
Reading 2025
Book 241: School Dance by Sarah Sax
School Dance is the third book in the Brinkley Yearbook series. Another book left over from my September reading challenge that I got at the library.
Synopsis: Get ready to brave the most intimidating event of all time—the middle school dance—easier said than done for Milo, who is convinced he can't dance because he's cursed.
Review: Spotlight on another of the kids from the middle school group highlighted in this series. A sweet story of Milo trying to meet family expectations and struggling with his own issues. 4⭐️
Book 241: School Dance by Sarah Sax
School Dance is the third book in the Brinkley Yearbook series. Another book left over from my September reading challenge that I got at the library.
Synopsis: Get ready to brave the most intimidating event of all time—the middle school dance—easier said than done for Milo, who is convinced he can't dance because he's cursed.
Review: Spotlight on another of the kids from the middle school group highlighted in this series. A sweet story of Milo trying to meet family expectations and struggling with his own issues. 4⭐️
August 24, 2025
a great third book!
i personally like the other ones more though.
a sweet story of finding yourself.
i wish the parents apoligized for how they treated him about dance, though.
it just felt like the only thing that was different from start to finish for him was learning to dance.
i also wish the grandma had said sorry for telling him to lie.
very good, though!
thanks to netgalley and the publisher for letting me read it in advance!
i personally like the other ones more though.
a sweet story of finding yourself.
i wish the parents apoligized for how they treated him about dance, though.
it just felt like the only thing that was different from start to finish for him was learning to dance.
i also wish the grandma had said sorry for telling him to lie.
very good, though!
thanks to netgalley and the publisher for letting me read it in advance!
September 4, 2025
Good idea that fell a little flat for me. Milo can't dance, but comes from a family of skilled dancers. I felt like he picked it up very quickly and naturally for someone who had tried in the past and couldn't do it. The geese were weird - why were they attacking traffic? And the hating the snowball theme was weird - why was the weather such an oddly big deal? Also, his grandma was just straight up demanding that Milo lie to his parents and it was never really addressed. That felt weird.
September 22, 2025
The newest entry in the Brinkley Yearbooks graphic novel series focuses on Milo, who is excited and worried about the upcoming school dance. When his Abuela moves in, his anxiety only increases as she keeps breaking his parents rule about driving. She helps Milo with his dance skills and helps make a fabulous outfit for him to wear at the dance!
December 3, 2025
Kudos for a school dance not centered around a middle-school romance (though Viv has a crush on the school mascot).
I thought this story was going in a certain direction with he grandmother having dementia and the dad not connecting with his son's interests, but it's not that. Some slight subversions
I thought this story was going in a certain direction with he grandmother having dementia and the dad not connecting with his son's interests, but it's not that. Some slight subversions
July 13, 2025
This book is a quick and easy read that is definitely relevant to any kid struggling to find their confidence both in school and on the dance floor! While I enjoyed it, this book could have used more dialogue especially between the main character and his father.
July 16, 2025
I absolutely loved this. This series is so heartwarming and this one did not disappoint. It’s all about being comfortable with yourself and also understanding you need to make YOURSELF happy more than anyone. Loved it!
August 13, 2025
I thought this was really sweet! I'm sure many kids would relate to Milo's fears of dancing and I appreciated the family storyline as well. I loved Dalia as a character especially! Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
August 23, 2025
This was so sweet, inspiring, and uplifting end. A journey of self-discovery and acceptance. I appreciate that the author included the grandmother's pain of no longer being able to drive, losing a part of her. The art is large, inviting, and fun.
December 19, 2025
It was okay. Honestly this series is pretty forgettable and not very good, but this one seems to be the better out of the trilogy.
Milo is a good character who cares about his friends and family, and it’s easy to see. He has a supportive family that’s also refreshing to see.
I liked that Milo came out of his shell and learned to be his own person doing his own stuff instead of following the crowd. I think it’s a good message to send to kids so I’d recommend it for them.
Milo is a good character who cares about his friends and family, and it’s easy to see. He has a supportive family that’s also refreshing to see.
I liked that Milo came out of his shell and learned to be his own person doing his own stuff instead of following the crowd. I think it’s a good message to send to kids so I’d recommend it for them.
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