First published 2017
Twelve-year-old Harper has danced since she could walk. She loves her Connecticut studio and just claimed her first top junior solo at regionals. Then her parents announce they're moving to Florida for work. Harper must leave her friends, her team, and her weekend trips to Broadway shows. Her parents promise to find a new studio, but Harper dreads starting over. At her first Florida class, Harper struggles with moves that once felt easy. The other dancers seem to have better technique and quicker turns. A clique called the Bunheads questions how Harper even made the team after she fumbles a simple sequence. Harper finds an ally in Lily, another newcomer eager to prove herself. With a major competition approaching, Harper pushes to show everyone what she can do. When a badly timed ankle injury threatens their preparation, Harper, Lily, and even the Bunheads must work together for their shot at victory.
Genres: family-life, coming-of-age, contemporary, sports
Vibes: atmospheric, emotional, fast-paced
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: Connecticut, Florida
256 pages · Kindle Edition · Aladdin