I have some conflicting feelings on this little book. Diana is struggling in school and that is relatable for kids, but the reaction of her mother is to go to the doctor and then a psychologist to see what is “wrong” with Diana. I feel like this is kind of a strange message to send to children, and seems more aimed at parents because the lesson of the book is that nothing is “wrong” with Diana, she just needs to move and learns best while being allowed to move her body. I did love the parts after Diana started dancing because she learns what works best for her, is more confident, and finds a lifelong love of dancing regardless of if it will bring her fame.

This book is niether bad nor great, but is instead interesting. I do think children would love the illustrations and the second half of the story. It could be useful in a setting where children are learning how to work through their energy with a parent, teacher, or therapist?

Thank you NetGalley for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Lozano tells the story of Diana, a little girl who loves to skateboard, be outside, and basically do anything except learn multiplication tables and school, in general. Threatened with repeating her current grade, her mother finds her a private tutor, but even he can't keep her interested in math. The family doctor suggested a psychologist, and the psychologist recommended dance classes. So, Diana found her outlet through dance, and through that outlet she learned her math and passed the grade.

While the story was cute, and the illustrations are wonderful, it really wasn't a story I enjoyed fully. Teachers, in my experience, do not send letters home to inform that failing one task will result in the student's retention. The mother's response was not to talk to her daughter, but rather to take her straight to the doctor as though having energy and a dislike of school means being ill. The first part of the story revolves around there being something wrong with Diana. That her actions are wrong, when they are not. The best thing I liked about the book was the end when Diana thinks its okay if she never gets to "dance in a big theater" because "she would never stop dancing."

Thank you NetGalley and Annick Press for the opportunity to read this ARC.