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Ballet Shoes
- By Noel Streatfeild
- Genre: Family Life
Common Sense Media says
Fascinating for kids who dance or act.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that the nontraditional plot may bore kids who aren't into ballet.
What's the story?
When adventurer Great-Uncle Matthew must stop collecting fossils, he decides to collect orphans instead, but after he disappears on an expedition, his niece, Sylvia, is left a dwindling bank account and two sisters to raise.
The family's luck begins to change when Sylvia takes in boarders to help pay the bills. Two, including a dance instructor, offer to educate the children for free; she arranges for free tuition to a performing-arts school.
The academy's regal director, Madame Fidolia, soon recognizes Posy's ballet talents and takes her under her wing. Pauline shines in drama class, and Petrova squeaks by while privately pursuing her passion for fixing automobiles.
The story follows the three Fossil sisters as they attend rehearsals, audition for roles, and shine in performances. By the novel's end, Pauline, Posy, and Petrova are ready for their chosen careers.
Is it any good?
This will become a favorite for children who dream of a life on the stage. To kids who love dancing or acting, the Children's Academy of Dancing and Stage Training will seem a magical place, and every detail -- from barre practice to auditions to backstage antics -- will be fascinating.
Children who don't fantasize about performing, however, will probably be mystified by the excruciating level of detail about every aspect of the girls' training. The inclusion of almost 10 pages of a play script, for example, won't make sense to many readers; but those who would love to be Pauline probably will be acting out the scenes.
Following the girls from birth into their teens, the story often glides through a whole year in a single page. Some readers might need help adjusting to a novel in which career development, rather than specific school or family issues, is the focus. Diane Goode's lighthearted drawings don't match the more serious tone of the text.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about pursuing passions. What challenges do the girls face as they follow their interests? How do they deal with them? Do you share any of their interests? What do you like about the girls' choices? What do you disagree with? Do you have a dream you're pursuing?
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AGE
Classic
One of my all time favourite books when I was little. Had my coppy since I was a bout 6 and still read it now. really sweet story.
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AGE
The great book Ballet Shoes
I am in Jr.High and i have to do a report on this book. it really is an AMAZING book it inspired me to live my dreams as a dancer and actress. And I couldn't be doing any better on stage if it wasn't for the book Ballet Shoes.
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| Author: | Noel Streatfeild |
| Illustrator: | Diane Goode |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Family Life |
| Publication date: | November 23, 1993 |
| Number of pages: | 281 |
| Paperback price: | $4.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 9 - 12 |
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