Because by Mikhail Baryshnikov, Illustrated by Vladimir Radunsky

Imagine, life without restraint, life without boundaries, life with freedom. Because highlights the importance of doing what you want, even if others think you are a bit eccentric in the process. Without feeling the pressure to conform from society, you can be free to shine and show of your personality. This is exactly what the narrator's grandma, Mrs. Duncan, does. Sectioned off by days, Monday through Sunday, the narrator goes through all the wacky things his grandma does to embarrass him "every minute, every hour, every day of the week!"

Each day begins with a description of the unusual event Mrs. Duncan performs. On Monday, Mrs. Duncan leapfrogs over Mr. Q, on Tuesda, she rolls over like a dog, on Wednesdays, she breakdances and slides around, etc. On each day, a person ask the question to Mrs. Duncan of why she is doing this or that. Mrs. Duncan's answer is always the same. "Because..." However, the narrator realizes that there is an underlying purpose as to why his grandma acts so free and loose. The last page reveals that she leaps she rolls, she taps, she spins, she runs, she flaps, and she swings because...she's a dancer. This twist made sense because all of the things Mrs. Duncan did fit under the category of being a dancer.

The backcover page features a male dancer surrounded by a spiral summary of all the things Mrs. Duncan did in the book. Perhaps the male dancer is the author, Mikhail Baryshnikov, although it does not say. Both a grandma and men are not the "stereotypical dancers," but the author suggests that anyone can dance. Mikhail Barysnikov himself is a dancer who has travled all over the world. He has covered a range of the arts from directing, writing, creating choreography, designing, and performing. I feel as though Baryshnikov and the illustrator Radunksy summed it up well on the author note what the message is that emanates from this book:
"It makes no difference whether you are old or young, tall or short, skinny or plump, beautiful or not so beautiful...If you feel deep down that you are an artists-dancer, singner, painter-do no be afraid of ridicule or of being misunderstood. Reveal your special talent to the world, and the world, without a doubt, will become a better place, and life will be more fun."

This book shows kids that they can go after something they are passionate about in life. Do what you love and embrace it because it's never too late. After all, we only have one life to live.