Monday, January 5, 2015

Dance Divas On Pointe by Sheryl Berk, Book Review



By: Sheryl Berk
Published by: Bloomsbury Kids
Released on: 12.2.14
Ages: 3rd grade reading level & up
Source: book from publisher to review, in exchange for my honest review
Rating: 4 Owlets - We Enjoyed It
Purchase from: Amazon | B&N
Add it to Goodreads

Dances Minnelli, a famous professional dance troupe in New Jersey, is looking for a few girls to star in their annual holiday production of The Nutcracker. Anya, Liberty, and Scarlett all think they'll be a shoe-in for the lead  role of Clara. But it's actually Gracie with her big smile and bubbly energy that catches Mr. Minnelli's eye at the auditions. With so much responsibility resting on her shoulders, will she be able to handle the pressure? Will Liberty learn to love playing a gingerbread man? Can Anya make the most of being a mouse? And can Scarlett handle the fact that her sister is growing into a beautiful dancer . . . and possibly leaving her in the dust?

You needn't worry about reading the previously Dance Divas books to enjoy this new release. This is the first book in the series we've read. I liked that while the book is part of the Dance Divas series, it is, it's own story. Being that we're fans of The Nutcracker, my daughter and I enjoyed reading how the friends from Dances Minnelli got their parts for the upcoming show, The Nutcracker. 

Gracie, her older sister Scarlet, Anya, and Liberty have to learn how to support each other, and work together as a dance team. They quickly learn how to put aside their prejudices in who they think should or shouldn't get certain parts. Even though they might have felt they were a better fit, they learn to fulfill their own roles, and no matter how big or little those roles are, they all play a role in making the show a success. 

This is a great read for young fans of dance, and friendship. We're looking forward to reading more books in this series. 

I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves. ~ Anna Quindlen

Good children's literature appeals not only to
the child in the adult, but to the adult in the child.
~ Anonymous ~