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Library | Item Barcode | Shelf Number | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Searching... Ransomville Free Library | 34131000703853 | J DRAPER | Searching... Unknown |
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Summary
Summary
Will his big break kill his career before it even starts
Robin's got everything it takes to be a principal dancer: the body, the feet, the strength and the passion. But his devil-may-care attitude plays havoc with discipline at the Premier Dance School. One more prank may be one too many. That's why everyone is shocked when he's the only student dancer picked to understudy with the company, even though the choice makes sense--Robin is cast as Puck, the annoying trickster fairy in A Midsummer's Night Dream. Shock turns to horror when the principal dancer is injured and Robin has to perform instead. The other dancers don't think he can pull it off, and even Robin wonders if it's too much too soon.
This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for middle-grade readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don't like to read!
Author Notes
Penny Draperis the award-winning author of numerous books for kids and teens. She lives in Victoria, British Columbia, and when she isn't writing, can often be found zooming around on her motorbike or standing on her head in yoga class. Before Penny started writing books, she told stories orally, working for many years as a professional storyteller. She shared tales at schools, libraries, festivals, on radio and television and once from inside a bear's belly
Reviews (2)
Kirkus Review
Robin finally has his big break, but the world is watching and expecting him to fail. Draper, author of the Disaster Strikes! series (Red River Raging, 2014, etc.), tackles a new challenge with the story of a ballet student given a career-making opportunity to understudy the part of Puck in a professional production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. Though the story, aimed at reluctant readers, moves too quickly at times, it nicely captures the competition and camaraderie of a group of people whose bodies are honed, molded, bloodied, and broken in pursuit of a common dream. It is refreshing to see this story told from a male dancer's perspective, and Robin's narrative style, arrogant and vulnerable by turn, aptly reflects the angst and self-doubt of a teenager who realizes that obtaining his heart's desire means that he now has something to lose. As his good fortune turns his classmates into critics and breeds its own particular brand of loneliness, the novel's dramatic stakes remain clear and absorbing. While Robin is the novel's protagonist, ballet itself is undeniably the story's main character. Contextual usage of ballet terminology and vivid description of movement bring the physicality and fluidity of dance to life, making this novel both a love letter and useful introduction to the art form. Dance veterans and newbies will relate to this readable account of the trials and tribulations of being in the spotlight. (Fiction. 11-15) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
Robin, a student of the pre-professional program at the Premier Dance School, has the potential to be a company member someday. Though not the most disciplined dancer in the program his love of pranks is well established he is strong and passionate. Although he's the understudy for Puck in the company production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, it's never expected that he will actually have to fill the role. But then the principal dancer is injured, and Robin must take on the job in earnest. His enthusiasm is derailed by the reaction of his friends and classmates, who, instead of being supportive, are jealous, vindictive, and still dumbstruck that such an important opportunity was gifted to the least deserving dancer. It's Robin's job to prove himself, win back his friends, and save the show, despite the insecurity and pettiness that surround him. Robin is personable, and it is refreshing to see a dance story that centers on a male ballet dancer. The brevity of the book will appeal to reluctant readers.--Dean, Kara Copyright 2016 Booklist