Do you have a budding performer in your family? Inspire their love of the stage—or help quell their fears—with a book about their craft. Check out these great titles from the New Orleans Public Library to grow their passion for dance, music, acting, and more.
Children
Uni the Unicorn: Uni’s First Recital by Candice Ransom & Alan Batson
Uni fans new and old will be excited to join this bighearted unicorn on a new adventure that shares the power of hard work and practice–plus a little help from mom and unicorn magic–to feel confident!
The Life-changing Magic of Drumming by Nandi Bushell & Andrea Stegmaier
Find out how Nandi Bushell—the young drummer who has played with the Foo Fighters—discovered drumming when she was just five years old. She shares how she plays and offers insider tips and advice for young musicians around the world.
Bruno’s Other Gift by Susana Illera Martínez
Bruno Madrigal loves acting, but he’s nervous to star in his own stories. Can Mirabel and her family help Bruno feel confident enough to follow his dreams?
Middle Grade
Maya Plays the Part by Calyssa Erb
Maya is an autistic girl who lives and breathes musicals. She’s convinced she’ll land the lead role in her community theater’s newest production. But when things don’t go as planned, Maya must figure out how to play the part that truly feels like her own.
Benny Ramírez and the Nearly Departed by José Pablo Iriarte
After moving cross-country into his late grandfather’s Miami mansion, Benny discovers that the ghost of his famous trumpet-playing abuelo, the great Ignacio Ramírez, is still there . . . and isn’t too thrilled about it. Abuelo has until New Year’s Eve to do some good in the world and thinks that teaching Benny how to play the trumpet and become a school celebrity might be the key to earning his wings.
Letters to Misty: How to Move Through Life With Confidence and Grace by Misty Copeland with Nikki Shannon Smith
New York Times bestselling author and first black female American Ballet Theatre principal dancer Misty Copeland offers advice on and off the dance floor to young readers based on letters she’s received over the years from fans.
Teen
Riot Act by Sarah Lariviere
In an alternate 1991, the authoritarian US government keeps tabs on everybody and everything. When her best friend is killed by the authorities and her theater teacher disappears without a trace, Gigi decides to organize her fellow Champaign High School thespians to put on a production of Henry VI. But at what cost?
Leap by Simina Popescu
Two dancers chase perfection at a prestigious performing arts boarding school in Bucharest, Romania—grappling with friendship, first love, and what it means to be queer in a conservative city. As they reach for their dreams, the girls begin to question if the future they’ve worked for is still the future they want.