Library Book: The Last Dance

A beautiful story about family history, life and death, and the enduring power of love. From award-winning New York Times bestselling author Carmen Agra Deedy.

"My young jury asked to have [The Last Dance] read to them again-and they got the point: 'Those we love are never really gone as long as their stories are told.' Debrah Santini's masterful sketches and watercolors tell as much as the text." - Horn Book Magazine

Bessie and Ninny are the best of friends. Sometimes on milk-moon nights, Ninny throws buttons at Bessie's window. When Bessie peeps outside, Ninny sings: "Bessie, oh Bessie! Come dance with me! For I hate to dance alone..."

Down the drainpipe Bessie slides to visit Ninny, and off they go. Most nights, they visit the grave of Ninny's grandfather, Oppa. It was Oppa who taught them three things that they will never forget: to dance, to sing, and to tell stories. Oppa's wisdom ultimately inspires a pact between the two young friends--a pact that binds them together through love and marriage, war and separation, birth and death.

New York Times best-selling author Carmen Agra Deedy uses fluid prose and beautiful imagery to tell this sweet story of family history, storytelling, and the power of promises and love. Even in the face of death.

Debrah Santini's impressionistic watercolors, rendered in muted shades of rose, smoke blue, and browns, effectively capture the bittersweet mood of the story.

Also from Carmen Agra Deedy:
14 Cows for America
Agatha's Feather Bed
Growing Up Cuban
Martina the Beautiful Cockroach
The Cheshire Cheese Cat
The Library Dragon
The Return of the Library Dragon
The Yellow Star