John’s Turn

Each Friday after Assembly at John’s school, one student performs for the other students. This performance is called “Sharing Gifts.” In the past, one student played the tuba, another did magic tricks, and another told jokes. Today is John’s turn, and he is very nervous.

As Assembly finishes, John changes into his leotard and slippers, and his principal turns on a piece of classical music. The other students laugh at the unusual music. Then, John takes the stage and begins to perform a ballet dance. As he leaps and bounds across the stage, a smile of joy slowly crosses John’s face. At the end of his dance, John stops and takes a bow, and his classmate applaud wildly.

Mac Barnett sends a powerful message about acceptance and the power that comes from doing what gives us joy, even if it might seem unusual to others. Kate Berube’s illustrations brilliantly complement this story, highlighting both John’s nervousness and his exhilaration when he momentarily forgets his audience and dances with his whole heart. What a wonderful gift to give any child.