Martee Dares to Dance

“A suggested purchase for collections seeking more books that will empower young readers.” – School Library Journal

“Martee Dares to Dance is truly an original, beautifully illustrated children's book that will inspire young people to overcome their insecurities…This fantastic story is something children need.” – Debbie Allen, choreographer, director, and children’s book author

In their first children's book, actors and dancers Harry Shum Jr (Grey’s Anatomy, Glee) and Shelby Rabara (Steven Universe) remind young ones that while embracing our true selves takes courage, it often leads to our greatest adventures.

Martee loves dancing to his own beat. But after an embarrassing experience leaves him reluctant to show off his moves, Martee grapples with the decision to attend his school's upcoming Halloween dance. He is encouraged by his grandmother, his Lola, and best friend, Yasmine, to dance. But, it isn't until he meets an unlikely friend—a Martian—that he finds the courage to embrace his bold moves and discovers that creative expression knows no bounds.

Readers can dance along to Martee’s moves with a step-by-step illustration of Martee’s space-inspired Halloween dance!

As an actor, dancer, and producer, Harry Shum Jr has proven himself to be a dynamic force in Hollywood. While he is best known for his role as Mike Chang on the hit series Glee, Shum has consistently embodied complex and meaningful characters. Shum can currently be seen as the sharp-witted intern Benson “Blue” Kwan on ABC’s long-running hit drama series Grey's Anatomy. He can also be seen as a fan favorite character in A24’s Academy Award winning feature, Everything Everywhere All at Once. Beginning his career as a dancer, Shum’s passion for storytelling utilizes his various backgrounds in specialized movement, dance and acting which has collectively forged a path to produce projects from a perspective that challenges the norm. Shum lives in Los Angeles with his wife and daughter. Follow him @harryshumjr.

Shelby Rabara is a Filipina-American actor, dancer, and writer from Orange County, California. She is best known for voicing the lovable Peridot in Cartoon Network’s Steven Universe. Shelby’s passion for dance started at the young age of four, and her love for it continued well into her professional life. Her stage credits include the national and international Glee tours, The Academy Awards, The Grammy Awards, The Country Music Awards, and Coachella. Shelby can also be seen dancing in the following television shows and films: Glee, Seventeen Again, Step Up 3d, and The LXD, to name a few. In her spare time, Shelby lives in Los Angeles and loves cooking, browsing international farmers markets, frolicking on the beach, and epic dance parties with her husband and daughter. Follow her @shelbyrabara.