Brooks Benjamin
Website | Twitter | Book trailer
In sixth grade, Brooks Benjamin formed a New Kids on the Block tribute dance crew called the New Kidz. He wasn’t that good at dancing. But now he’s got a new crew—his wife and their dog. They live in Tennessee, where he teaches reading and writing and occasionally busts out a few dance moves. He’s still not very good at it. My Seventh-Grade Life in Tights is his first novel.
MY SEVENTH-GRADE LIFE IN TIGHTS
Amazon | B&N | BAM | IndieBound
All Dillon wants is to be a real dancer. And if he wins a summer scholarship at Dance-Splosion, he’s on his way. The problem? His dad wants him to play football. And Dillon’s freestyle crew, the Dizzee Freekz, says that dance studios are for sellouts. His friends want Dillon to kill it at the audition—so he can turn around and tell the studio just how wrong their rules and creativity-strangling ways are.
At first, Dillon’s willing to go along with his crew’s plan, even convincing one of the snobbiest girls at school to work with him on his technique. But as Dillon’s dancing improves, he wonders: what if studios aren’t the enemy? And what if he actually has a shot at winning the scholarship?
Dillon’s life is about to get crazy . . . on and off the dance floor in this kid-friendly humorous debut by Brooks Benjamin.
Giveaway!
Winner receives a signed hardcover of MY SEVENTH-GRADE LIFE IN TIGHTS.
Make a comment to enter. After 24 hours, Brooks will contact the winner by email.
(Winner chosen using random.org via the comments.)
It sounds like a fun ready…things getting crazy on AND off the dance floor. I want to see what this looks like!
This sounds like a book that’s needed for boys and girls. There’s little focus on the things boys deny themselves when they feel like it won’t be accepted by peers or parents.
Would love to read this!
Ooooh! I’d love to take this off my TBR as READ! As a girl who did a LOT of dancing in my younger days, this is right up my alley! Gimme-gimme, purdy PahLease!!!
I’m very interested in the book. I went looking for it at the library, and it wasn’t available, so I requested that they get it.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book but ended up loving it. So funny! I love how the very first line of chapter 1 sets the tone for the entire book.
I love, love humorous books and this one has a premise I have to read to find out how it turns out. It sounds like a great voice for me to learn from too for my own writing.
Yay, Brooks! Such an important message written in such an accessible way. My two left feet and I, and many others, appreciate your work.
This book sounds great! I love reading about kids doing something typically outside of their gender norms. It’s important to do what makes you happy regardless of whether or not it is classically one gender’s or the other. Follow your own path! Congrats and much success!
This would be a great read for my middle school students! I’d love to share it with the teachers at my school.
I would love to have this for my library!
I’ll end up reading it, even if I don’t win, I’m sure … LOL
As a former dancer, I know the pressures on the boys. This book tickles me pink <cliche alert. Hope you sell a ton of them!
I LOVED this book & it would be a wonderful addition to the middle grade portion of my bookshelf. I can’t wait to read it again. Thanks for doing the giveaway!
I have a 7th grader and we both want to read this! Thanks!
I’ve been wanting to read this book for awhile! Would love a copy!!!
I was absolutely crazy about dance when I was in school. Dance shows, they are still my favourite though, dance movies and what not.
A signed copy? My 7th-grade son would love it (and so would I!)
Can’t wait to read it!
Comment: What color are his tights? I need to know!
This does sound like such a fun read!!!
Interesting story.
Mariyn
I’ve been dying to read this!
Looks like a great book!!
Oh! I can’t wait to read this book!
I want that cover as art for my wall!! Love me some great MG humor–especially one that lets super self-conscious middle schoolers be their goofy selves. Look forward to reading!
I love the idea of a book exploring a boy struggling with identity in Middle School. I would love to read it and pass it on to my kids.
I’ll get this whether I win it or not, although I’d like the autographed copy.
I’m really excited to read this. ☺