Why We Dance

Written by Deidre Havrelock · Illustrated by Aly McKnight

A young girl faces her fears at the Jingle Dress Dance, finding strength in tradition.

4.4 Goodreads · 252 ratings

40 pages· 645 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud· ~480L

$18.99Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

On the day of the Jingle Dress Dance, a young girl feels nervous about performing before her community. As the drumbeats start, her family reminds her of the dance's healing power and heritage. Will she find the courage to embrace this proud tradition? This vibrant tale celebrates the resilience and unity of Indigenous culture, inspired by a dance born from the 1918 pandemic. Experience the joy and strength of a ceremony that continues to inspire hope across generations.

From the publisher

From Indigenous creative team Deidre Havrelock and Aly McKnight comes a powerful and exuberant story about the heritage, joy, and healing power of the Jingle Dress Dance–a perfect read-aloud picture book. It’s a special day–the day of the Jingle Dress Dance! Before the big powwow, there’s a lot to do: getting dressed, braiding hair, packing lunches, and practicing bounce-steps. But one young girl gets butterflies in her stomach thinking about performing in front of her whole community. When the drumbeats begin, though, her family soothes her nerves and reminds her why she dances. Emerging historically in response to the global influenza pandemic of 1918-19, the Jingle Dress Dance is a ceremonial dance of healing and prayer that still thrives today in many Indigenous and First Nations communities across North America. Lyrically and rhythmically written with lush, full-color illustrations, Why We Dance is a joyous celebration of a proud Indigenous tradition that inspires hope, resilience, and unity.

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