A boy overcomes bullies and name-calling to express his love of dance.
Daniel loves everything about the pop star Fabulina and has been practicing hard to perform her hit “Strong Brave Free” at the school talent show. He executes every shimmy-kick perfectly—but then “The Mean” notices. Represented as a looming, multi-eyed, red creature, The Mean persists with “Mean looks. Mean words. Mean jokes. Mean names.” Daniel begins to feel that he never wants to shimmy-kick again.
A teacher finds Daniel hiding under a table and gently suggests he look outside. When he does, Daniel notices other kids, teachers, and even the principal dancing, inspired by his performance. To perfect their moves, however, they need his help, which he soon provides. When The Mean tries to approach again, a newly confident Daniel keeps dancing, buoyed by his friends’ cheering. The Mean shrinks away, leaving Daniel: Strong. Brave. Free.
Author David McMullin tells the tale with verve, and Robbie Cathro’s cartoon-like, retro-style illustrations are a colorful, swirling delight. Adult readers may wish to discuss with young ones what might make someone act like “The Mean,” though, just to make sure they understand the allegory (since the humans in the book are unfailingly supportive of Daniel, unlike what often happens in the real world, where the bullies have human faces).
Self-confidence and community support are important tools for resilience in the face of bullying (though they may unfortunately not always be sufficient to stop such harassment), and this story will likely be helpful for young people who are facing similar challenges, as well as for others who want to support them.
Daniel is White, with blue hair. The teacher who helps him is Black, and background characters have a variety of racial/ethnic identities.
