Monday, May 2, 2011

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday - Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild


Marvelous Middle Grade Monday  

Shannon Whitney Messenger decided it was time to give middle grade stories the attention they deserve, and "Marvelous Middle Grade Mondays" was born. 


Ballet Shoes
by Noel Streatfeild


BOOK BLURB:
Fame, fortune, and fun!

When three English orphans--Pauline, Petrova, and Posy--join the Children's Academy of Dancing and Stage Training to help out their new family, they have no idea it's going to be such hard work! Vowing to make a name for themselves, they launch into the world of show business, complete with working papers, the glare of the spotlight, and practice, practice, practice! But the theater isn't right for all of them . . .

Pauline is destined for the movies.
Posy is a born dancer.
Practical Petrova finds she'd rather pilot a plane than perform a pirouette.

Each girl must find the courage and the talent to follow her dream.

This is a wonderful story for girls who dream big, proving that hard work and determination can make anything happen. This was my sister's all-time favorite childhood book. I lost track of how many times she read it. Her love for this book caused me to buy a copy for my own daughter when she was born--and I hadn't even read it myself yet!

The three girls are each different and each utterly adorable. I love it that they recognize their own strengths and aren't afraid to reach for their individual dreams. This is a powerful and oh-so-lovable middle grade book for girls.


*** Others who can be counted on for a great MMGM review each week: ***

Happy Monday!!

23 comments:

Laura Pauling said...

Wow. I recognized the cover of this and I actually think I have this book somewhere and have never read it! I'll have to dig it out.

Bidisha said...

This one got made into a movie with Emma Watson, but I've never seen the book. Thanks for bringing MG into the forefront.

Natalie Aguirre said...

Wow! This does sound good. I love how different the girls are.

Can you add mine to your links? I'm interviewing Janice Hardy and giving away a copy of THE SHIFTER today. Thanks.

TerryLynnJohnson said...

another great recommendation.

Old Kitty said...

Yay - it sounds like chicklit for children!! Yay for three strong female characters too!! Lovely! take care
x

Stina said...

Hmmm. I'm thinking my sons won't like this one. ;)

Kelly Polark said...

What a great book to share with sisters!!

Karen Lange said...

The first time I heard of this book was in the movie You've Got Mail. This reminds me that I wanted to check it out. Thanks, amigo! Happy Monday! :)

Sherrie Petersen said...

When kids read a book over and over, you know it has to be good!

Robyn Campbell said...

I wish more books were like this, bff. Strong female characters. YEAH! Great book, amigo. I will make the purchase. I'm thinking I can order it on Amazon. (((hugs)))

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh, thank you for sharing this! Will for check it out.

Jennie Englund said...

This book makes a great gift, and sometimes, it even comes with a little ballet shoe necklace!

bfav said...

Great pick. You know, I've never read this book. I've wanted to since I saw You've Got Mail with Meg Ryan. Emma Watson did the movie, has anyone seen it?

I'll have to get this for me and my girls.

Barbara Watson said...

I've never read this either! Describing a book as 'on-so-loveable' puts it right on my TBR pile. Thank you!

Racquel Henry said...

Sounds like a fun read! :)

Shari said...

It sounds awesome. Thanks Shannon!

Kayeleen Hamblin said...

I remember first hearing about this book from the movie, "You've Got Mail." I thought, I should read this. Thanks for the review.

Heather said...

This sounds like a sweet and inspiring read. I know just who to buy it for. And yeah, I'll probably read it before passing it on. ;)

Angela Ackerman said...

Sounds like a lot of fun, this one. Thanks as always, Shannon!

Angela @ The Bookshelf Muse

Joanne R. Fritz said...

Nice review, Shannon.

We've had this in the bookstore forever, but customers rarely ask for it. I also remember it mentioned by Meg Ryan in You've Got Mail. Now I'll have to add it to the TBR list...

Anonymous said...

It sounds sweet and adorable, and I love dance! Too bad I don't have daughters.

Jemi Fraser said...

Sounds like a terrific book - thanks for the tip :)

Stasia said...

Just hopping over from Elana Johnson's blog and am thrilled to discover yours! Ballet Shoes was my absolute favorite book as a kid!

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