I Want to Dance in Pants
When a girl needs a new outfit for a special holiday party, she chooses comfort over tradition.
Ava does not love dresses. They poke and pinch, squish and squash. They just do not feel good to her. But after Ava and her family are invited to a quinceañera celebration, her mother thinks they need to go shopping for a new dress. Ava’s mother loves dresses—fancy dresses, swishy dresses, dresses of all kinds.
I want to dance in pants, says Ava. Nonsense! says her mother. And off they go to shop.
After trying on dress (too itchy) after dress (too poofy) after dress (too silly), Ava finally finds what she does want to wear. It’s a bright and sparkly tuxedo pantsuit. It’s perfect! Her mother tells her that she will be the only girl not wearing a dress. And that’s just fine with Ava. But what happens when they get to the party?
Brought to life through energetic, colorful artwork, this story serves as a reminder to readers of all ages to be comfortable in their own skin (and especially in their clothes).
| Interest Level | Kindergarten - Grade 3 |
|---|---|
| Reading Level | Grade 1 |
| Dewey | E |
| Lexile | 470L |
| ATOS Reading Level | |
| Guided Reading Level | J |
| Publisher | Sleeping Bear Press |
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| Available Formats | Hardcover (9781534113275), PDF (9781668955826), ePub (9781668955314), Hosted ebook (9781668955482), Kindle (9781668955659) |
| Copyright | 2025 |
| Number of Pages | 32 |
| Dimensions | 9 x 11 |
| Graphics | Full-color illustrations |
- The International Latino Book Award - Most Inspirational Children's Picture Book
Donovan's Literary Services - I Want to Dance in Pants
I Want to Dance in Pants is illustrated with lively drawings by Teresa Martinez as it explores young Ava’s aversion to dresses. The problem is that sometimes girls are required to wear dresses.
Ava’s mother loves all kinds of dresses. Can they locate one which is perfect for a girl who hates dresses, yet must go to a fancy celebration?
Many girls will relate to Ava’s predicament and its unexpected resolution in this thought-provoking, fun, surprising story of adaptation and growth.
Author: Jess Hernandez
Jess Hernandez is from the Pacific Northwest. She’s spent her grown-up life working with kids and books—as a teacher, a children’s librarian, and an author. Her family holds regular dance parties in their living room, and she busts the occasional move in public, much to the horror of her children. She has sensory processing disorder, so she has a complicated relationship with clothes. Dresses make her feet cold.
Author: Ruymán Hernandez
Ruymán Hernandez is from Tenerife, Spain, and grew up dancing salsa with his tías and abuela. Now he works with children and families as a mental health therapist and parent educator. When he isn’t working or helping Jess write books, he’s working on projects around the house. He’s a big fan of pants but has always wanted a kilt.
Illustrator: Teresa Martinez
Teresa Martinez was born in Mexico. She was a very shy girl at school, and drawing helped her connect with other children. When she grew up she studied Graphic Design and started illustrating picture books. Now she lives in Puerto Vallarta, drawing for kids as she did during her school days, and that makes her happy.
| Original artwork |
| Full-color illustrations |