McKenna
written by Mary Casanova
American Girl

About the movie:

A talented young gymnast turns trials into triumphs in the inspiring new feature-length movie, An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars based on the novel, McKenna, by Mary Casanova.

McKenna Brooks is a determined and confident young gymnast in this all-new modern-day adventure. She is on track to make the regional competitive gymnastics team, but off-track in school where she’s suddenly struggling to keep up. When McKenna’s teacher suggests a tutor, she’s embarrassed and desperate to keep it a secret from her friends. Then a bad fall at the gym sidetracks her from her favorite sport. Will she recover in time to make the team? Can she succeed in school, too? McKenna needs to focus on her strengths to overcome her challenges — and, with the help of family and friends, find a way to believe in herself again.

Inspired by the beloved American Girl® line of dolls and featuring the celebrated 2012 Girl of the Year®, the film stars Oscar® nominee Nia Vardalos, Jade Pettyjohn as McKenna™, Ian Ziering, Kerris Dorsey and former Olympic gymnast Cathy Rigby.

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Twelve Dancing Princesses
by Ruth Sanderson
Crocodile Books, ages 4 to 8

Long ago, in the days of princesses, castles, and magic spells, there lived a king and his twelve daughters. Although the king locked the twelve princesses in their bedroom each night, every morning their twelve pairs of dancing shoes were found to be worn quite through, as if they had been danced in all night long! The king proclaimed that anyone who discovered the secret of the worn-out shoes could marry the princess of his choice. Here is the enchanting story of how the mystery was finally solved.

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The Sandal Artist
by Kathleen T. Pelley
illustrated by Lois Rosio Sprague
Pelican Publishing Company

Roberto, a poor young artist, aspires to success and recognition. He refuses to paint young village children playing or Old Stefano and his donkey and insists on creating picturesque scenes only. But when Roberto has his shoes mended, a cobbler lends him a pair of sandals and whispers: “There are some who say that if you wear another man’s shoes, you will see the world with his eyes and feel with his heart.” When Roberto suddenly starts to see the true beauty surrounding him, he realizes that the cobbler’s wise words may ring true. The young artist soon views his surroundings in a different light. Complemented by illustrations reminiscent of works from the Renaissance period, this enchanting tale explores such topics as adopting a new perspective on life and appreciating the greatness in other people.

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