The Reel Wish

By Yamile Saied Méndez
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After a panic attack prevents Florencia from performing as Clara in The Nutcracker and her best friend takes the lead, a new dance style helps her face her anxiety as well as a troubled friendship.

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Front cover for El deseo de mi corazón by Yamile Saied Méndez
This book is also available in Spanish
El deseo de mi corazón
By Yamile Saied Méndez

Description

Ballet is Florencia del Lago’s entire world. After years of hard work, she is chosen as Clara in the winter production of The Nutcracker. Not only is she the youngest dancer to receive such an honor but also the first Latina. She’s on track to be recruited by the best ballet companies.

Unfortunately, she suffers a panic attack on opening night–on stage, in front of everyone. And then Selena, Florencia’s best friend, steps right into the role to replace her. Just like that, Florencia’s whole world falls apart–the ballet studio expels her, and her best friend turns on her, tormenting her on social media and in real life.

But even though the one thing she was driven toward has come to an end, therapy and family support help Florencia open up to new experiences. She notices people at school she’s never paid attention to before, and she even stumbles upon an Irish dance school and decides to give it a try. Can a new passion for Irish dance help Florencia find the joy of performing on the stage that she lost that fateful winter night?

About the Creators

Yamile Saied Méndez

Yamile Saied Méndez is the award-winning author of many books for young readers and adults, including Furia, Where Are You From?, the Horse Country series, and On These Magic Shores, among others. She was born and raised in Rosario, Argentina, but has lived most of her life in a lovely valley surrounded by mountains in Utah. She's a graduate of the Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA Writing program, and a founding member of Las Musas, a marketing collective of Latine writers. Connect with her at yamilesmendez.com.

Hardcover

  • ISBN 9781643796437
  • Publication Date Apr 22, 2025
  • Trim Size 7.5 × 5 in
  • Weight N/A
  • Page Count 368
  • Interests

  • Audience Middle Grade
  • BISAC Category 1 JUV / Social Themes / Friendship
  • BISAC Category 2 JUV / Performing Arts / Dance
  • BISAC Category 3 JUV / Social Themes / Depression & Mental Illness
  • Themes Bilingual, Bullying, Childhood Experiences and Memories, Courage, Cultural Diversity, Dance, Diversity, Dreams & Aspirations, Dual Language, Empathy / Compassion, Fiction, Friendship, Identity / Self Esteem / Confidence, Latinx / Latino / Hispanic, Middle Grade, Optimism / Enthusiasm, Overcoming Obstacles, Persistence / Grit, Realistic Fiction, Social & Emotional Learning, Spanish, Sports
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 8 - 12
  • Grade Range Grades 3 - 7
  • ADA Site Compliance-Accessibility Policy