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Dance With Me
When my dad died, I didn’t know my mom was going to leave me too. It hurt like hell to lose him, but didn’t she know we could get through this together? I survived by dancing and reading. That is, until the Underground Poet left me a riddle straight from the pages of my favorite book. Suddenly, I was awake and excited. What was he trying to say and how would I reply? I know it seems crazy to fall for someone that I’ve never actually met, but he feels more real to me than the people I spend all my time with. For the first time in my life, it feels like I’m not so alone. Like he has offered me his hand and I’m accepting the next steps of the dance. Would you have done the same?
221 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2022
2 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Shea Robinson
1 book2 followersShea Robinson was reading before she started walking. She started writing shortly thereafter. Her biggest frustration is that she can’t read and write at the same time. When she’s not lost in a good book, she is dancing with her three-year-old niece, listening to her husband nerd rant about superheroes for his movie review channel, and dreaming about the last time she had French Silk ice cream in the fifth grade. After graduating from UC Davis (Go Ags!), she moved to Sacramento with her husband and fell in love with the City of Trees. Sacramento thus became the setting for her book. Dance With Me is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 10, 2022
Dance With Me, Shea Robinson’s debut YA novel, is a page-turning delight. We join Charlie during her Sophomore year of high school as she struggles with the messy, nuanced, passionate, and painful themes most relevant to adolescence: themes of identity, loneliness, alienation; the quest for love and belonging.
One of the most powerful assets of good fiction is that it can increase our understanding of our own emotions and empathy for others. Dance With Me is good fiction. With wit, honesty, and tenderness, Robinson has given us an authentic teenage odyssey. Not only has she astutely captured the high school experience of academic pressure, after-parties, and social media, but she broadens and deepens the lens to include issues of race, culture, gender, and grief.
As a grief and trauma family therapist, I was most impressed by Robinson’s grasp of how the death of a parent affects an entire family. We fully experience Charlie’s grief from the catastrophic death of her father when she was 11, through her pain and anger with her mother due to her mother’s emotional abandonment of both Charlie and her younger brother, resulting in Charlie taking on the role of parentified older sister. We follow Charlie on her quest to break through the numbness and pain though dance, to understand the inexplicable through literature, and to let love in and breathe again.
One of the most powerful assets of good fiction is that it can increase our understanding of our own emotions and empathy for others. Dance With Me is good fiction. With wit, honesty, and tenderness, Robinson has given us an authentic teenage odyssey. Not only has she astutely captured the high school experience of academic pressure, after-parties, and social media, but she broadens and deepens the lens to include issues of race, culture, gender, and grief.
As a grief and trauma family therapist, I was most impressed by Robinson’s grasp of how the death of a parent affects an entire family. We fully experience Charlie’s grief from the catastrophic death of her father when she was 11, through her pain and anger with her mother due to her mother’s emotional abandonment of both Charlie and her younger brother, resulting in Charlie taking on the role of parentified older sister. We follow Charlie on her quest to break through the numbness and pain though dance, to understand the inexplicable through literature, and to let love in and breathe again.
July 5, 2022
I wanted to read this book because Shea Robinson is a local author, and I knew she set her story in Sacramento. It was fun to follow Charlie’s journey through familiar local landmarks such as William Land Park, Tower Cafe, and Gunther’s Ice Cream. All iconic Sacramento locations. In that way it felt similar to the movie Lady Bird, that, and because it’s a coming of age story.
Even if you can’t relate to the geography, however, I think most readers will connect with the emotional turmoil that Charlie is going through. Her struggles were very relatable and so was how she coped with them.
I’m curious to read some of the novels that are so important to Charlie in this book. I have read some but not all of them. So, thank you to Charlie and the Underground Poet for introducing me to some intriguing new titles. This book was like getting an insider’s view to the author’s personal reading list, and that’s definitely a huge part of the fun of this story.
Even if you can’t relate to the geography, however, I think most readers will connect with the emotional turmoil that Charlie is going through. Her struggles were very relatable and so was how she coped with them.
I’m curious to read some of the novels that are so important to Charlie in this book. I have read some but not all of them. So, thank you to Charlie and the Underground Poet for introducing me to some intriguing new titles. This book was like getting an insider’s view to the author’s personal reading list, and that’s definitely a huge part of the fun of this story.
July 11, 2025
I rarely write reviews because I am not great at sharing my thoughts on books but I really enjoyed this book and I am stepping out of my comfort zone to give it the love it deserves. (Only very little spoiler about one part/character ahead)
Dance With Me is YA coming of age story that deals with love, grief, betrayal, finding your true friends, and most of all, finding yourself. I found this gem at A Seat At The Table Books in Elk Grove and was hesitant about picking this one up because I rarely read YA. The title first stuck out to be because I was a dancer in high school and in college and the FMC is a hip hop dancer! Even though I was trained in other dance styles like ballet, Jazz, contemporary, lyrical, etc. hip hop is what I loved most and ended up joining a couple of hip hop teams in college. Because of this, I found that I feel like I already related to the FMC mainly because she’s a dancer so I figured I should just read it and I wanted to dive more into local authors anyway. I am so glad I did. This story was truly inspiring. The storytelling was perfect, and it showcases all of the angst of high school and how all those emotions are heightened and it feels like the world is against you at times. The layers in this story were well woven, juggling the FMC, her friends, family struggles, her grief, and even her trials with romance. I am someone who appreciates good pacing in a story, and this story’s pacing was perfect (in my opinion). Even though I haven’t experienced grief of losing someone close to me, I connected well with the other aspects in this book and I truly enjoyed it. It also helped that it was set in Sacramento which is where I live and grew up. It’s so satisfying to hear all of the landmarks and businesses mentioned because if you have visited them, you feel an even deeper connection to the story. At least I did!
I loved the element/character of the “Underground Poet” it was so intriguing and I enjoyed Charlie’s conversations with him through ough book quotes. Reading amazing quotes by books and authors, it makes me want to look them up (I will most definitely be looking some of the books up). I do feel like there was a big lead up to see who the Underground Poet is and I had it in my head that is was like Jared or something but it turned out to be someone completely new (at least I think so? I don’t remember if he was mentioned before) so it was only a little bit of a let down. I also wish that we discovered who it was a little sooner but I know that wasn’t a main part of the story, because it was mainly about Charlie and her development but still, only my personal preference but nothing that affects my rating.
I don’t give 5 star ratings often, but I feel this story truly deserved it and I highly recommend it!
Dance With Me is YA coming of age story that deals with love, grief, betrayal, finding your true friends, and most of all, finding yourself. I found this gem at A Seat At The Table Books in Elk Grove and was hesitant about picking this one up because I rarely read YA. The title first stuck out to be because I was a dancer in high school and in college and the FMC is a hip hop dancer! Even though I was trained in other dance styles like ballet, Jazz, contemporary, lyrical, etc. hip hop is what I loved most and ended up joining a couple of hip hop teams in college. Because of this, I found that I feel like I already related to the FMC mainly because she’s a dancer so I figured I should just read it and I wanted to dive more into local authors anyway. I am so glad I did. This story was truly inspiring. The storytelling was perfect, and it showcases all of the angst of high school and how all those emotions are heightened and it feels like the world is against you at times. The layers in this story were well woven, juggling the FMC, her friends, family struggles, her grief, and even her trials with romance. I am someone who appreciates good pacing in a story, and this story’s pacing was perfect (in my opinion). Even though I haven’t experienced grief of losing someone close to me, I connected well with the other aspects in this book and I truly enjoyed it. It also helped that it was set in Sacramento which is where I live and grew up. It’s so satisfying to hear all of the landmarks and businesses mentioned because if you have visited them, you feel an even deeper connection to the story. At least I did!
I loved the element/character of the “Underground Poet” it was so intriguing and I enjoyed Charlie’s conversations with him through ough book quotes. Reading amazing quotes by books and authors, it makes me want to look them up (I will most definitely be looking some of the books up). I do feel like there was a big lead up to see who the Underground Poet is and I had it in my head that is was like Jared or something but it turned out to be someone completely new (at least I think so? I don’t remember if he was mentioned before) so it was only a little bit of a let down. I also wish that we discovered who it was a little sooner but I know that wasn’t a main part of the story, because it was mainly about Charlie and her development but still, only my personal preference but nothing that affects my rating.
I don’t give 5 star ratings often, but I feel this story truly deserved it and I highly recommend it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2024
“Dance With Me” is a charming and heartfelt coming of age story set in Sacramento. Charlie’s story of overcoming grief and self discovery will resonate in some way to many different readers. This is a YA novel and I am no longer the target demographic, but her experiences still struck a chord with my teenage self. Her family dynamic was complex and well meaning, and her friends were a diverse cast of characters that most modern high schools might find.
The foundations of dance and literature help Charlie move through her coming of age story, and while the dances didn’t speak to me as much, I know many people who would find kinship in her passion. Reading Charlie’s story feels like drinking a warm mug of cocoa after a rough day at school and confiding in a trusted friend about the day, sometimes bittersweet, but always comforting. The growing pains of adolescence are on display and being processed in these pages and I would recommend it to any reader who has felt those pains and is looking for something to offer them closure on the hurt.
Robinson’s book invites you to experience the tension and relief, the pain and joy of life. Simply, she invites you to dance, and see what beauty you can make of the past. It is thoughtful and introspective without losing the joy of living in the prose, and I can’t wait to see what else this author has in store!
The foundations of dance and literature help Charlie move through her coming of age story, and while the dances didn’t speak to me as much, I know many people who would find kinship in her passion. Reading Charlie’s story feels like drinking a warm mug of cocoa after a rough day at school and confiding in a trusted friend about the day, sometimes bittersweet, but always comforting. The growing pains of adolescence are on display and being processed in these pages and I would recommend it to any reader who has felt those pains and is looking for something to offer them closure on the hurt.
Robinson’s book invites you to experience the tension and relief, the pain and joy of life. Simply, she invites you to dance, and see what beauty you can make of the past. It is thoughtful and introspective without losing the joy of living in the prose, and I can’t wait to see what else this author has in store!
February 23, 2024
This debut novel by Shea Robinson follows the sophomore year of Charlie as she struggles through the loss of her father (and, in turn, her mother as she struggles to cope with losing her husband), unrequited love, loneliness, and a mysterious poet…
Robinson’s writing is beautiful and her descriptions of Charlie’s emotions are incredible. I specifically found the scenes where Charlie grapples with grief and loneliness extremely touching. It made me think back to my own teenage years, and it reads as though this is absolutely a teen girl’s thoughts and diary entries, which most adult writers aren’t able to do this well.
Previous reviews do a much better job at explaining how good this book is, so my two cents to add:
1. Robinson is an excellent writer and I cannot wait to see what she publishes next.
2. I learned more about the city of Sacramento in one day of reading this book than I did in the year that I’ve lived here.
3. You can tell that Shea is a passionate writer and Sacramento native just by glancing at her work. All the hours spent on putting this novel together was well worth it.
4. My TBR has increased drastically since starting this book. The glimpse into Robinson’s own bookshelf gave this novel such a personal connection to the author - which I absolutely adore.
Robinson’s writing is beautiful and her descriptions of Charlie’s emotions are incredible. I specifically found the scenes where Charlie grapples with grief and loneliness extremely touching. It made me think back to my own teenage years, and it reads as though this is absolutely a teen girl’s thoughts and diary entries, which most adult writers aren’t able to do this well.
Previous reviews do a much better job at explaining how good this book is, so my two cents to add:
1. Robinson is an excellent writer and I cannot wait to see what she publishes next.
2. I learned more about the city of Sacramento in one day of reading this book than I did in the year that I’ve lived here.
3. You can tell that Shea is a passionate writer and Sacramento native just by glancing at her work. All the hours spent on putting this novel together was well worth it.
4. My TBR has increased drastically since starting this book. The glimpse into Robinson’s own bookshelf gave this novel such a personal connection to the author - which I absolutely adore.
August 22, 2024
Shea Robinson's debut novel is absolutely breathtaking. This book is truly incredible. It is a truly beautiful representation of working through grief and the loss of a parent. I also loved the family dynamic around grief. These characters are finding themselves and their way through life and you get to feel it all through the main character Charlie. I Literally sobbed when I was done it just hits all those feelings. I also loved the way dance was used as vehicle for processing intense emotions. If you've ever lost someone or want to understand someone who is grieving read this book. If you just need a great book with growth and finding ones self read this book. He'll just read this book I absolutely loved it. 9 out if 10 and a hugely deserved 5 out of 5 stars
August 10, 2025
Dance with me deals with the journey of grief in a raw, emotional, nonlinear way through the lens of the main character, Charlie. For those of us who deal with grief, there can be some healing in reading about others’ journey, even in fiction. I enjoy a book that can make me frustrated with the characters because that’s something that keeps me reading! And Charlie’s best friend, Scott, certainly did that! Ha! The realistic, messy, complicated relationship of family is something I think any reader will connect with. Though, not wrapped in a pretty bow (which I love in a story) there is hopefulness found in this coming-of-age story about grief, friendship, love, healing, and family. Enjoying summer read!
July 14, 2025
Picked this up on a whim at a local bookstore and oh my gosh this book was amazing, I’m so glad it found its way towards me. Using other book quotes as a main plot point of the book is absolutely genius. I genuinely wish this book was out when I was in high school because although I never experienced grief like our main character Charlie. I felt like I would have really resonated with the feeling of a dark cloud and feeling like your life was falling apart as a teenager who dealt with depression. I think this is such an important story of acceptance and self reflection. Even if you’re long past your teenage years I feel like this is a great read.
November 3, 2025
Shea’s voice is transporting – I wandered into Charlie’s garden of heartache and adolescent turmoil wholly unprepared for the response her journey would elicit in me. Shea had me walking in Charlie’s shoes from the very first line, and from then on it was a series of lumps in the throat, furtive smiles that lasted whole pages, or misty-eyed moments that deepened the inevitable connection, not just with Charlie, but with the author herself. Well done, Miss Robinson!
February 22, 2025
Saw a staff recommendation and review from A Seat at the Table and it compelled me to get this book. The review was solid and the book did not disappoint. Dancing and reading are two of my passions so I was predisposed to enjoying this easy read. Definitely a solid YA book. Coming of age, discovering one’s self-worth and finding what love means are all hit in this book.
January 7, 2025
Looking for a heartfelt exploration of teenage self-discovery? Shea Robinson's Dance With Me might be the right read for you. Anchored by the relatable journey of its protagonist, Charlie, this contemporary YA novel captures the delicate balance of living up to expectations while carving out one’s own identity in a fast-moving world.
The book shines in its portrayal of Charlie’s internal struggles, offering readers a genuine glimpse into her thoughts as she navigates familial pressures, friendships, and her passion for dancing. Robinson’s writing is peppered with poignant moments that feel universal while speaking to the specific trauma of Charlie's loss of her dad.
One of Dance With Me's greatest strengths lies in its ability to articulate the weight of societal and personal expectations without becoming overly heavy-handed. Charlie’s voice feels authentic, her journey relatable to anyone who has ever questioned their path or grappled with the fear of disappointing others. Robinson ensures readers see the beauty in Charlie’s growth, making her triumphs feel deeply rewarding.
While the pacing occasionally slows in sections that dwell on secondary storylines, the overall narrative remains compelling, thanks to the depth of Charlie’s character and the novel’s modern perspective. Dance With Me offers readers an inspiring tale about the importance of self-discovery, embracing joy, and finding the courage to step into one’s own spotlight.
The book shines in its portrayal of Charlie’s internal struggles, offering readers a genuine glimpse into her thoughts as she navigates familial pressures, friendships, and her passion for dancing. Robinson’s writing is peppered with poignant moments that feel universal while speaking to the specific trauma of Charlie's loss of her dad.
One of Dance With Me's greatest strengths lies in its ability to articulate the weight of societal and personal expectations without becoming overly heavy-handed. Charlie’s voice feels authentic, her journey relatable to anyone who has ever questioned their path or grappled with the fear of disappointing others. Robinson ensures readers see the beauty in Charlie’s growth, making her triumphs feel deeply rewarding.
While the pacing occasionally slows in sections that dwell on secondary storylines, the overall narrative remains compelling, thanks to the depth of Charlie’s character and the novel’s modern perspective. Dance With Me offers readers an inspiring tale about the importance of self-discovery, embracing joy, and finding the courage to step into one’s own spotlight.
May 6, 2024
A fun coming of age story with a strong sense of place, the highs and lows of Sacramento!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews