Wednesday 11 April 2012

Ballet for Drina by Jean Estoril (Children''s, 9 years +)

 
1987 edition, Macdonald
176 pages, Paperback
Personal copy

Themes: family secret, preventing destiny never works, determined young girl, necessary deception, finding a true close friend, mean girls getting their comeuppance, awesome plot twists, talent, life in London for a girl, tissues needed.

Book blurb

Ever since she was very small, Drina Adams has wanted to be a ballet dancer. Her grandmother disapproves, an it's hard for Drina to find a way to have the music and ballet lessons she needs. But Drina was born to dance - and this is the story of how she found out the truth about her background, and how she began her career.

Nayuleska's thoughts

This is a very much loved series from when I was little. Its been 16 or so years since I last read it, and the magic hadn't faded one bit. I live the mystery of why Drina's grandmother doesn't want Drina to dance. I love how life has other plans for the girl brimming with talent and a mother who wasn't a low profile dancer. Jenny is a character who I love as much as Drina, as she is down to earth and quite funny. Sadly she isn't with Drina for long, but she will be a permanent character in this 10/10 book series.

Suggested reading

For younger readers who want a girl with talent - this time with ice skating - read Kay Woodward's Skate School series which starts with Ice Princess.


 
For older readers you must read Bunheads by Dophie Flack which is all about the highs and lows of being a ballet dancer in a famous london ballet school.



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