Common Sense Media Review
By Diondra K. Brown
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Slam-dunk picture book keeps readers on their tippy toes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
BALLER INA shares the story of Ina, a baller and ballerina extraordinaire. She pirouettes and pliės, and also alley-oops and dribbles. She loves both sports and doesn't want to have to choose between them. When others question Ina's ability to play basketball in her sparkly pink tutu, she proves them wrong. She works well with her teammates when it counts most, empowered by others cheering her on. Ina is truly a superstar, no matter what she's called.
Is It Any Good?
This is an important book that spotlights the need to be true to yourself, regardless of what others may think or say. Baller Ina's bright illustrations and rhyming will capture the attention of young readers. The book introduces fun ballet and basketball vocabulary to young readers. It's also a strong argument for how dancing can support basketball skills and vice versa. Baller Ina is to be praised for it's depictions of diverse character illustrations and subtle challenge of gender stereotypes. This is a fun read that will leave readers soaring, and inspired to stick with their divergent interests no matter what the haters say.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how in Baller Ina, Ina loves both basketball and ballet. What sports or activities do you love? Has anyone ever told you that an activity wasn't for you? What happened?
Why do you think people want Ina to only do, or be, one thing? How did she respond?
Ina is a superstar, but she also believes in working with her fellow teammates and dancers. Why is teamwork important?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Liz Casal
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Arts
- Character Strengths : Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Knopf Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : August 1, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 3 - 7
- Number of pages : 40
- Available on : Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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