Published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Summary: Shane comes from a family of dancers, but he’s too shy to dance at the big gatherings held every weekend. He focuses on collecting cans to buy the high-tops he wants, only busting out his dance moves in the privacy of his own room. He’s just about reached his goal when a speaker breaks, and the big dance party gets cancelled. Shane gathers his money and heads to the local music store, where he’s able to buy a new speaker. The party is saved, Shane is a hero, and he celebrates by finally going public with his dance moves. The family passes the hat, and before long, Shane has all his money back AND has become the dancehall princes. Includes an author’s note with additional information about Jamaican dancehalls and how the music influenced musicians like DJ Kool Herc and the Notorious B.I.G. 40 pages; ages 4-8.

Pros: The bouncy rhyming text and brightly colored illustrations make this a celebration of both Jamaican dancehall music and Shane, a hardworking kid who does his own thing, helps his family, and has all the moves on the dance floor.

Cons: Shane’s jerky older brothers only partially redeemed themselves at the end of the story.