Brooks Benjamin
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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
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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.)
29 Comments
Tonya Lippert · August 23, 2016 at 11:39 am
It sounds like a fun ready…things getting crazy on AND off the dance floor. I want to see what this looks like!
Cathy · August 23, 2016 at 11:57 am
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.
Dani C. · August 23, 2016 at 12:34 pm
Would love to read this!
P.D. Pabst · August 23, 2016 at 12:37 pm
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!!!
Ben Langhinrichs (@blanghinrichs) · August 23, 2016 at 12:44 pm
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.
Sam Subity · August 23, 2016 at 1:10 pm
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.
danielle hammelef · August 23, 2016 at 1:19 pm
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.
Kate Bradley-Ferrall · August 23, 2016 at 1:33 pm
Yay, Brooks! Such an important message written in such an accessible way. My two left feet and I, and many others, appreciate your work.
Julie Walters · August 23, 2016 at 1:35 pm
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!
Wendy Blankenship · August 23, 2016 at 2:05 pm
This would be a great read for my middle school students! I’d love to share it with the teachers at my school.
Debbie Hunter · August 23, 2016 at 2:14 pm
I would love to have this for my library!
Paula · August 23, 2016 at 2:18 pm
I’ll end up reading it, even if I don’t win, I’m sure … LOL
Terri Lewis · August 23, 2016 at 2:32 pm
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!
Christie Megill · August 23, 2016 at 2:46 pm
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!
Vicki Johnson · August 23, 2016 at 2:55 pm
I have a 7th grader and we both want to read this! Thanks!
Christyl Rosewater · August 23, 2016 at 2:56 pm
I’ve been wanting to read this book for awhile! Would love a copy!!!
Aastha Khanna · August 23, 2016 at 3:50 pm
I was absolutely crazy about dance when I was in school. Dance shows, they are still my favourite though, dance movies and what not.
ML Brown · August 23, 2016 at 4:12 pm
A signed copy? My 7th-grade son would love it (and so would I!)
Gaye Sanders · August 23, 2016 at 4:35 pm
Can’t wait to read it!
Kate · August 23, 2016 at 5:09 pm
Comment: What color are his tights? I need to know!
Mary Preston · August 23, 2016 at 6:31 pm
This does sound like such a fun read!!!
Marilyn · August 23, 2016 at 7:55 pm
Interesting story.
Mariyn
Katharine Manning · August 23, 2016 at 8:24 pm
I’ve been dying to read this!
Dana Kramaroff · August 23, 2016 at 8:26 pm
Looks like a great book!!
Diana DeBolt Johnson · August 23, 2016 at 8:41 pm
Oh! I can’t wait to read this book!
Elle Evans · August 23, 2016 at 9:04 pm
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!
James Mosteller · August 23, 2016 at 9:55 pm
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.
betsy · August 24, 2016 at 11:56 am
I’ll get this whether I win it or not, although I’d like the autographed copy.
Mary Rose Benipayo · August 24, 2016 at 11:00 pm
I’m really excited to read this. ☺
Comments are closed.