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The Only Boy in Ballet Class
Tucker loves ballet-even though some people don't understand his passion for dancing. Taunted by the boys on the football field, tortured by dorky twin sisters, and teased by his Uncle Frank, Tucker doesn't know how to help people see how ballet makes him feel . . . until one day, when an unexpected invitation to join the football game comes, and Tucker Dohr gets the chance to prove just what ballet dancing can do!
32 pages, Hardcover
First published July 26, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
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March 5, 2011This is such an awesome book that challenges the traditional gender schemes set up in our society. This story of a young boy who loves ballet would be a great book to introduce to students to show them that girls and boys can enjoy the same activities. This idea is very rarely emphasized in schools now and gender roles are so strictly obeyed. The message in this book is one of acceptance and change in the hearts of those who do not understand the boy who doesn't want to play football but wants to dance. I would love to share this book with my young students to show them from the start that boys and dance and girls can play football.
October 26, 2017
I think this a good "safe" book to have in the classroom, when brining up the topic of gender nonconforming/ breaking gender stereotypes. This can as well lead to different topics in the LGBT spectrum, specifically transgender. This is because many first signs is of someone who identifies as another gender or shows signs of it that is something from their own gender. It is an easy read to open up a discussion with your students on how they feel seeing how the girl was doing "boy" like things. It can be a great time to bring up thats its okay to dress as something/do activites that is not normally as seen as typical of your gender and to know its okay for you to do so.
October 25, 2017
This book tells a story of a boy in ballet class. He was excited to be a part of the class. He loved to dance but of course, he was ridiculed and mocked for ballet dancing. His peers thought he was weird because he always kept his feet moving and the boys on the football team called him twinkle toes and said, "Ballet is for girls." Unfortunately, his uncle, who visited every Tuesday, agreed with the footballers. His uncle would constantly tell Tucker's mother to put Tucker in football. Like the typical, stereotypical male ego, the uncle may have assumed things about Tucker's character and possibly his future sexuality. Assuming that ballet is for girls and football is for boys, Tucker's uncle insisted he play football. With agitation, Tucker's uncle was not pleased with Tucker's mother for allowing him to ballet. The illustrator did a good job in ensuring that the pictures flowed fluently with the story. The facial expressions tell the mood of the characters in the story. The plot twist was that Tucker ultimately ended up winning the football game for the same people that criticized him for ballet dancing. Even Tucker's uncle was happy. The football players saw Tucker use his ballet moves to defeat the opposing team so they all wanted to learn those moves. Though the author is not a dancer, she loves to watch ballet which is why she chose to use specific ballet dance terms such as Pirouette and Arabesque. Even though the book seems to be fictitious, it is relevant to my text set solely on the grounds of some of the characters believing that ballet is only for girls.
September 27, 2019
A thought-provoking story on holding true to yourself and your interests. The joy and the benefits of dance are demonstrated. Bullying is also brought up.
Talking Points - Do you like dancing more or sports more? What things do you like that your gender is known for liking? What things do you like that the opposite gender is known for liking? Have you ever not done something because you have been teased by others for it? Tell us about it. How did you feel afterwards? What have you done even though others were teasing you for it or putting you down for? Tell us about it? How did you feel afterwards? Have you ever done something that you didn't want to do because someone pressured you into it? Tell us about it? How did you feel afterwards? Is it kind to tease or put down others for their beliefs? Have you every been the only one of your gender at an event? How did you feel? Have you ever been bullied? Have you ever been a bully?
Essential Oil Pairing Tip - I think doTERRA's Citrus Bliss invigorating blend for 2 reasons. One, because it contains Bergamot essential oil in it. And Bergamot is The Oil of Self-love. It helps you feel good about who you are at your core. And I think that if someone is going to be true to who they are they need a lot of self love. The other reason I would recommend Citrus Bliss is because it is a super uplifting oil. And I think that most people feel uplifted, free and happy when they dance.
Talking Points - Do you like dancing more or sports more? What things do you like that your gender is known for liking? What things do you like that the opposite gender is known for liking? Have you ever not done something because you have been teased by others for it? Tell us about it. How did you feel afterwards? What have you done even though others were teasing you for it or putting you down for? Tell us about it? How did you feel afterwards? Have you ever done something that you didn't want to do because someone pressured you into it? Tell us about it? How did you feel afterwards? Is it kind to tease or put down others for their beliefs? Have you every been the only one of your gender at an event? How did you feel? Have you ever been bullied? Have you ever been a bully?
Essential Oil Pairing Tip - I think doTERRA's Citrus Bliss invigorating blend for 2 reasons. One, because it contains Bergamot essential oil in it. And Bergamot is The Oil of Self-love. It helps you feel good about who you are at your core. And I think that if someone is going to be true to who they are they need a lot of self love. The other reason I would recommend Citrus Bliss is because it is a super uplifting oil. And I think that most people feel uplifted, free and happy when they dance.
December 3, 2017
Genre-Realistic Fiction
Grade-Primary
The Only Boy in Ballet Class by Denis Gruska is an interesting book. this story is very unique but still teaches an important lesson. That lesson would be that just because you do an activity that's different from what others would want you to do there's nothing wrong with that and you are not weird. The Illustrations in this book are done very well. I would recommend this book to anyone who is having trouble with bullying in your school. this book can be used to teach the student who is being bullied that just because they're different doesn't mean you have less value than others. Altogether a wonderful book.
Grade-Primary
The Only Boy in Ballet Class by Denis Gruska is an interesting book. this story is very unique but still teaches an important lesson. That lesson would be that just because you do an activity that's different from what others would want you to do there's nothing wrong with that and you are not weird. The Illustrations in this book are done very well. I would recommend this book to anyone who is having trouble with bullying in your school. this book can be used to teach the student who is being bullied that just because they're different doesn't mean you have less value than others. Altogether a wonderful book.
December 4, 2017
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Grade: 4th-6th
This book is about excepting what others like to do, even if they do not fit into the social norm. The main charecter, Tucker, likes to dance and is made fun of for it. then he proves dancings worth, through a football game.
its a good book, just does not resenate with me. I also have some conserns like, where is this kids father, what happened to him. this kid only has female influences in his life, no male role models. No wonder this kid likes to dance. Maybe he would like other things just as much if he had a male rolemodel. But this is just a childrens book, and not excepting others is a real issue.
Grade: 4th-6th
This book is about excepting what others like to do, even if they do not fit into the social norm. The main charecter, Tucker, likes to dance and is made fun of for it. then he proves dancings worth, through a football game.
its a good book, just does not resenate with me. I also have some conserns like, where is this kids father, what happened to him. this kid only has female influences in his life, no male role models. No wonder this kid likes to dance. Maybe he would like other things just as much if he had a male rolemodel. But this is just a childrens book, and not excepting others is a real issue.
January 6, 2018
I really liked Tucker as a character, and I love how much he loves to dance.
I'm conflicted about the overall narrative here. On the one hand, dance is not too unusual as cross training in other sports (including football), so I liked seeing the boys show up in dance class at the end. But I didn't like that Tucker's achievements as a dancer weren't enough.
Dance terms are used pretty accurately, and they're defined in a glossary at the end. Some of the pronunciations aren't quite right, though.
I'm conflicted about the overall narrative here. On the one hand, dance is not too unusual as cross training in other sports (including football), so I liked seeing the boys show up in dance class at the end. But I didn't like that Tucker's achievements as a dancer weren't enough.
Dance terms are used pretty accurately, and they're defined in a glossary at the end. Some of the pronunciations aren't quite right, though.
February 28, 2020
There are more and more students who are growing doing activities that are not socially acceptable because of their gender. However, the way our society is becoming more accepting of individuality is important for students to be educated on. It is important for students to learn not to harass other students because they do different activities. I believe this book can help educate students on diversity and help teach them to be respectful of others.
December 13, 2017
Shows a boy who loves ballet, but doesn't love sports. He feels picked on by classmates and by his uncle for not wanting to play sports.
When he gets pulled into a football game because they're short of players, he uses his ballet skills to impress on the field.
When he gets pulled into a football game because they're short of players, he uses his ballet skills to impress on the field.
May 18, 2017
A fun idea in that it challenges typical gender roles, but this story reads like an after-school special.
October 23, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Realistic
Grade Level: 2-3
I really liked the message of this book. It tears down some stereotypical gender roles, which I love. I think this story could encourage students to do what they want to do, even if they might get teased for it. I wasn't sure about the ending of the book, because the boy ends up giving in to what others want him to do and the bully's end up joining the boy's ballet class. This is an ideal solution, but very very far fetched.. I hope it doesn't give students the illusion that this is how their every situation will end. Overall it was a good, encouraging book.
Grade Level: 2-3
I really liked the message of this book. It tears down some stereotypical gender roles, which I love. I think this story could encourage students to do what they want to do, even if they might get teased for it. I wasn't sure about the ending of the book, because the boy ends up giving in to what others want him to do and the bully's end up joining the boy's ballet class. This is an ideal solution, but very very far fetched.. I hope it doesn't give students the illusion that this is how their every situation will end. Overall it was a good, encouraging book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2016
Tucker Dohr is a little boy who is passionate about dancing. He decides to start ballet classes however, he is the only boy in the classes but he doesn’t let that discourage him. The boys in his school bully him because they believe dancing classes are only for girls. However, Tucker tries to ignore all of his classmates when they say mean things. One day, the football team was missing one player, the only option was Tucker. When the ball came to Tucker he used all the movements he had learned in his dancing class to score the winning touchdown. After the game, Tucker realized that all of his classmates wanted to be just like him.
The main theme of this book is to discourage gender stereotypes. The book shows that dancing classes could be for both girls and boys.
Personally, I thought this book was great. My parents have taught me that there are no such things as activities that are “only” for boys. They try to encourage me to try soccer classes in my school. They had always believed that girls and boys are equal and therefore should be able to participate in the same activities. This book remind me a lot of my parent’s perspective and how our society should fight back against gender stereotypes.
I would definitely recommend this book to teachers because it can start a conversation with the students about stereotypes. It could teach students a valuable lesson that boys and girls are equal and they can participate in any activity they desire regardless of what society has established as “girl or boy activity”. Teachers could include an activity such as asking students what activities they would participate regardless of their gender. Tucker sets a great example for students because he was courageous and followed his dreams.
The main theme of this book is to discourage gender stereotypes. The book shows that dancing classes could be for both girls and boys.
Personally, I thought this book was great. My parents have taught me that there are no such things as activities that are “only” for boys. They try to encourage me to try soccer classes in my school. They had always believed that girls and boys are equal and therefore should be able to participate in the same activities. This book remind me a lot of my parent’s perspective and how our society should fight back against gender stereotypes.
I would definitely recommend this book to teachers because it can start a conversation with the students about stereotypes. It could teach students a valuable lesson that boys and girls are equal and they can participate in any activity they desire regardless of what society has established as “girl or boy activity”. Teachers could include an activity such as asking students what activities they would participate regardless of their gender. Tucker sets a great example for students because he was courageous and followed his dreams.
October 12, 2012
Tucker loves to dance. And since he has to wait til after school to dance, he dances all day long. On his way to school though, he keeps his head down and walks fast. The boys on the football team taunt him every day for taking ballet class. Even his Uncle Frank thinks he should play football, and not dancing. But his mother loves that he loves to dance.
After a dance recital one night, Tucker is accosted by the football team who only have 10 players and will be disqualified if they don't find an 11th. Well, this is quite a change. Tucker wants nothing to do with it but his uncle tells the kids that Tucker would be thrilled to join them. And really, all he has to do is stand there, right? Well, Tucker actually catches the ball and everyone is screaming at him to run. If you were being chased by two football teams, you'd run too! He makes use of his many ballet moves to get him through to the end zone. Score!
Tucker is lauded as a hero because he made the winning play. When he shows up for ballet class the next day he finds many of the boys from the football team there trying to learn the moves that Tucker used to help him score the winning goal.
As much as this book is about being different and accepting who you are, I was uncomfortable that the uncle was never taken to task about his attitude. I understand that in the end, both sides "understood" each other, but this is not real life. Thoughts?
After a dance recital one night, Tucker is accosted by the football team who only have 10 players and will be disqualified if they don't find an 11th. Well, this is quite a change. Tucker wants nothing to do with it but his uncle tells the kids that Tucker would be thrilled to join them. And really, all he has to do is stand there, right? Well, Tucker actually catches the ball and everyone is screaming at him to run. If you were being chased by two football teams, you'd run too! He makes use of his many ballet moves to get him through to the end zone. Score!
Tucker is lauded as a hero because he made the winning play. When he shows up for ballet class the next day he finds many of the boys from the football team there trying to learn the moves that Tucker used to help him score the winning goal.
As much as this book is about being different and accepting who you are, I was uncomfortable that the uncle was never taken to task about his attitude. I understand that in the end, both sides "understood" each other, but this is not real life. Thoughts?
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April 16, 2012The Only boy in Ballet Class is about a boy named Tucker who loves to do ballet and he feels the happiest when he is in ballet class. Tucker’s only problem is that his family and the boys at his school tease him about dancing because dancing is seen as a girls activity. Tucker continues to do what he loves despite the disapproval and isolation from his friends. Then one day the boys confront him at school. They need another player for the upcoming football game and ask Tucker to play. Tucker uses his ballet skills to win the game and impresses the other boys. In the end, Tucker’s dancing skills begin to be accepted by his friends and family. The Only boy in Ballet Class has many implications that can be used in an instructional setting. Stereotypical gender roles are clearly challenged and show children that boys and girls should pursue whatever makes them happy regardless of the gender they identify with. Gender identity is a difficult for children to comprehend but this book does a great job of making it a reachable topic for children. Also Tucker could be used in a larger unit focusing on individuality and identity. Tucker provides students with an example of a child who is being pressure to change his identity, but in spite of that he shows self-love and acceptance for himself and continues to pursue ballet.
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December 9, 2014The Only Boy in Ballet Class is about a boy named Tucker who has a passion for dancing. He is his happiest when he is in ballet class and loves how it makes him feel. However all of his friends make fun of him because he is a boy and boys do not do ballet. Throughout the story Tucker realizes that he needs to do what makes him happy and decides to prove to everyone who doubts him that he can be an amazing ballet dancer. While not all readers can connect to wanting to dance, I do believe readers will be able to connect to the idea that sometimes people will make fun of the things you love. I know while I read this book I was hoping that Tucker would not stop dancing just because his friends did not approve. I would use this book as a way to show that being different is okay and doing what makes you happy is the best way to live ones life.
October 3, 2016
This story of Tucker and his friends, and the peer pressure to do what's normal, is an excellent book to read to a middle-elementary aged group. Tucker's pursuit of dancing, even though his friends and classmate think it's silly, is what makes him who he is. It's very encouraging to see Tucker follow through with what he loves, knowing that he will get teased for it. And in the end, he is able to use his gifts and talents to help others, which was honored. The only hesitations I have about reading this book to kids is that it uses a lot of ballet terminology. There is a glossary page in the back for these words, but still it could remain confusing if the children have little to no experience with ballet.
July 8, 2010
I like the message within this book ... "it's okay for boys to dance" a typical Billy Elliott theme but well done. I thought the Uncle was a bit much but the resolution is pleasant and I am glad the "bully boys" come to see the value of dancing. Tucker gets to be himselfand he learns that it's okay to follow wherever his talents take him. It's a perfect dose of openness, teasing and understanding.
December 2, 2013
This story was about a boy who loved to dance constantly. The kids tease and taunt him. Nobody understands his passion and love for dance. Near the end of the book, his fancy leaps gets him to win the football game. This book is wonderful for the classroom because it can teach children they can do whatever they want, if they put their mind to it. Also this book goes along with My Princess Boy in expressing who the individual is as a whole.
April 9, 2014
This is an excellent literary resource to use to teach children about gender roles and gender stereotypes. The book tells about a young boy who takes ballet and is made fun of for it, but he still loves to do it. I think this book would be a must have in the classroom to educate children on gender stereotypes.
December 9, 2014
Tucker is the only boy in his ballet class. His friends make fun of him for dancing. He loves to dance but struggles to not be hurt by what others think. He finds a way to realize he should be himself. Tuckers goal is to prove to everyone how great he can be at ballet and he won’t let anyone stand in his way of doing what he loves.
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December 30, 2015Fairly straightforward book -- Tucker loves ballet and his family supports him, but he gets harassed by the football team and his uncle wishes he would play football, in the end he wins the football game by using ballet and the other football boys then appreciate and want to take up ballet as well.
I like that not all the people in this book are white.
I like that not all the people in this book are white.
October 8, 2013
This book was about a Boy who loves Ballet, but because of gender bias he is made fun of at school. For primary elementary students this book would be easy to follow along when learning about gender bias and assumptions.
March 30, 2014
This children’s book breaks a stereotype and is a great discussion starter with young children. Tucker has a passion for dancing, but many people make fun of him because they do not understand how the sport makes him feel. Will he be given a chance to prove what dancing can do?
April 1, 2014
battles gender stereotypes, however, the boy was not completely happy socially until other "cool" people started doing ballet, too. I think it tried a little too hard to battle gender stereotypes by using classic gender stereotypes
April 7, 2014
This book challenges stereotypes and it would be good to read in the beginning of the school year or anytime with the teacher notices some bullying. It could also be read to middle schoolers because I think it has a really good message.
April 3, 2019
Preschool-2
Contemporary Realistic
This book helps break down stereotypical walls for boys should and shouldn't participate in for a sport. I love dancing so the book connects with me and I loved how they worked dancing into football. I think this book will help kids pursue their dreams.
Contemporary Realistic
This book helps break down stereotypical walls for boys should and shouldn't participate in for a sport. I love dancing so the book connects with me and I loved how they worked dancing into football. I think this book will help kids pursue their dreams.
June 11, 2012
Cute book. Henry didn't think boys could be in ballet class either. We might do some paper dolls with this one.
March 24, 2014
Amazing book! This book deals with stereotypes and breaking those stereotypes! Like being the only boy in ballet! It's a longer read but the students will really enjoy it!
April 1, 2014
This book is about a young boy who is involved in ballet. This book is about defying stereotypes and dance. It would be great to use in an elementary classroom.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews