Book Description

After her Bat Mitzvah, all Alyssa wanted to do was dance. She loved the practice sessions at the studio. And she loved performing. But suddenly there were so many other many other pressures. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Pink Slippers, Bat MItzvah Blues
Pink Slippers, Bat Mitzvah Blues

Alyssa, a typical 14 year old girl, loved to dance. All's she wanted to do was dance for the rest of her life. She had one little problem, Confirmation class. She had been going to church everyday for the past five years to learn about her religion and learn how to speak Hebrew. After Alyssa's Bat Mitzvah, Alyssa didn't have to go to church anymore. Alyssa didn't want to go to Confirmation class, but rabbi wanted her to stay so bad, and wouldn't let her go. Alyssa said no that she wouldn't go to Confirmation class, because she would rather dance. Alyssa went to Ballet everyday after that. She had to convince her parents that if she would go to church every other day and only go to Ballet every other days, her body wouldn't be very flexible. Alyssa's dream was to be like Fawn, a girl in her Ballet class that her teacher always showed off, because she was the best. Fawn always got the lead parts in all of the Ballets, but Alyssa just wishes that she would be able to get that lead part for the annual Nutcracker Ballet. The rule was that Alyssa could only miss three days of Ballet, and if she missed more, she would be kicked out of the play. Alyssa's best friend came down with phenomena. Alyssa had a choice. To lose her best friend or get the lead part that she has always dreamed of.
I would recommend this book to any kid or teenager between the ages of 10-15 years. I liked this book, because I am a dancer myself and I know what it is like to get your parents to believe you that you have to go to dance everyday and that you can't miss or skip class. At the beginning of the book when Alyssa is taking her religious class, she really stayed true to her religion and I thought that that was very good. Her brother was Mr. Perfect and she just tried to be like him, and I give her credit for trying really hard to please her parents. Everyday at Ballet she would dance her heart out like she was really performing. She was never lazy or late to her classes and that is what I call a good dancer. I really like to hear that she is so much into dancing that she would do anything to just dance everyday. That's what I call commitment. Alyssa didn't really like to go to church because she just wanted to dance, and she did what she wanted. She just wanted to go to dance. I thought that she did a really good job of still being nice to her family, and she wasn't being rude to her parents when she asked them if she could just go to dance and not to church. She did a really good job of that. Really anyone could read this book and I think that even parents could read this book to their kids, because it would teach the parents that a kid would do anything just to get what they want, but also being very nice and not rude about it.

A book for dancer WANTABEES!!!!!!!!!!!
Alyssa wanted to dance after her Bat mitzvah, and nothing else. Then many pressures occur in Alyssa's life. Although Alyssa just wants to dance she just can't leave out her religion and life's challenges. Alyssa has to decide if dancing is more important then her religion and the obstacles that come before her. Alyssa's dance teacher already thinks she's behind. Alyssa tries to focus on dance but life is just to complicated. I think this was an excellent book. It was just the right length and it didn't bore me. I can't stand extremely long books that just drag on and on. For me this book was perfect. I loved the plot of the book. I'm a dancer and recently I have had so many obstacles in my life that have interfered with dance. I wanted to join a new sport that I really wanted to do but it was either that or dance and we all know the answer there. I think I liked this book so much because it really appealed to my life. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

My favorite book!
I am an 11 year old Jewish girl. I think this story is really fun to read. I've read it about 10 times. I love the ending the best! I think any girl who goes to hebrew school would relate to this. ... Read more

Book Description

Barbie teaches toddlers all about shapes in this board book for thevery youngest Barbie fan.What is Barbie's favorite shape?A heart of course! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

PreSchooler Read Aloud
A must have for Barbie fans. Brilliant photos. Read aloud for preschoolers; independent reading for 1st graders. Board book.

learning shapes
My two year old learned her shapes very quickly due to this book. Great for toddlers who love Barbie. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Fish Out of Water (Disney Girls No. 4)Gabrielle Charbonnet
This book is amazing! It's about Ariel (from the Little Mermaid) and 2 of her friends, Jasmine (from Aladdin) and Yukiko (from Snow White). The girls are all taking ballet class. The story is about a production of the Nutcracker and Ariel hoping to play the part of Clara. I'm 8 years old and love to read the Disney Girl books! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Starting Ballet-Usborne First Skills
A wonderful book for young children with simple activities and explanations for various movements. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (2)

Work for your dreams, whatever they are!
I'm not a ballerina--I am one of those who took a few years of dance and never had the drive or desire to work at it--but I love this book!

White shows that she had to work to achieve her dream, that she sometimes made mistakes, that it helped to have suport of other people but that ultimately it was up to HER.

Wonderful!

Inspiring for all ages...although I'm biased...lol
This book, although short and recommended for ages 4-8, is inspiring for ages 4-104 (lol). It's great to read when you're discouraged about anything (not just ballet), because it motivates you to get your butt out there and try again! Now on a personal note...Diana is my teacher and has inspired me time after time to work even harder than I thought possible. Get the book and keep it around for when you're down, because it'll help you through almost anything! ... Read more

Book Description

Fifteen-year-old Ben can¹t make sense of his life. He lives in ahouse full of women, yet he can¹t talk to girls. He tries to be a jock, but can¹t evenmake the co-ed volleyball team. And ridicule from the guys has driven Ben to giveup the one thing at which he truly excels ­ dance. Now, he¹s being bullied by athug named Claude who¹s found out about Ben¹s ballet classes. Ben feels his angerand frustration grow with each passing day. Then Great-Aunt Frieda comes to visit and Ben learns about the old woman¹s lifein Russia. He¹s surprised at how Frieda dealt with the Men of Stone ­ Stalin¹sagents who terrorized her community and family. As Frieda tells her powerfulstory, Ben begins to understand who he is and what kind of person he wants tobe. But first he must get past the rage that has taken control of his life. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A must for middle schoolers!
This book tackles the theme of masculinity and what causes a boy to be a "man." As opposed to the Horn reviewer, I do not think this is a "not-so-new" theme. In fact, having worked with many young teen boys, I would recommend Men of Stone to most of them, as well as to most of the girls I know. True, masculinity has been addressed in previous works, but clearly the kids are not getting it. (Check out "Real Boys"). This book realistically and sensitively calls into question what it means to be a man in our society. Timely, as I watch the men of our world rattle their sabers and wage destruction.
Combines history and a good story line for a didactic, painless, fascinating read.

Really Gooood
I found this book lying at my friend's house and picked it up to see what's it was all about.I knew that my friend was really into books and she read about a thousand of them everyday but this one book really intrigued me into getting a copy myself.I taught me some useful things but the only way to find out what the lessons are ou'll just have to read the book.Some passages made me sort of wonder a bit and thinking deeper into the situation.Ben is a likable narrator and can be related to quite easily. ... Read more

Book Description

Eight little dancers executing basic ballet steps will inspire interest and admiring glances from tattoo lovers and balletomanes alike.
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Amazon.com

"One day in Teletubbyland, Tinky Winky danced a special boom-boom dance. Tinky Winky boom-boom dance!" Dipsy dances the boom-boom dance, too, as does Laa-Laa, Po, and the Noo-noo. Everyone loves dancing the special boom-boom dance. With their trademark inane dialogue and silly antics that appeal so wildly to the 2-and-under set, theTeletubbies dance the day away in this "peekaboo" board book. Windows allow aglimpse at the upcoming cavorting characters so toddlers can have fun guessingwho's next. Based on the Teletubbies TV show, these simple, colorful stories feature four odd yet kind of cute animated characters with TV screens in their bellies, dancing, singing, and gently adventuring. Enjoy more Teletubby frolics in their many other books, including The Magic Telescope and Here Come the Teletubbies. (Baby to preschool) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Read once
Personally, Im not one for Teletubbies, but my daughter liked the cover... If your child is a fan, I definately recommend this book, but if not, Don't bother. It wasn't a very interesting read for my daughter and she has ost interest in the book. I would recommend the Dr. Seuss line of books, which seem far more interesting and entertaining... ... Read more

Book Description

Ballet is one of the world's loveliest and most demanding artforms, requiring both grace and athleticism. It has a rich history and continuesto attract ambitious and dedicated students all over the world. "The BalletBook" is produced in conjunction with Toronto's National Ballet School and is adefinitive instructional resource for children who are beginning to explore thepossibilities and delights of ballet.

Lavishly illustrated with charming black & white photographs of students inaction, complemented by explanatory text, "The Ballet Book" illustrates indetail the positioning of the arms and the feet, barre work, pointe work,alignment, classical ballet poses, attitudes, allegros, batteries andarabesques.

The first chapter includes information about topics such as choosing to dance,finding a teacher, musical accompaniment, the ideal studio, what to wear, andgrooming. The second chapter, The Ballet Class, provides detailed black andwhite photographs of positions of the arms, feet, body, and movements such asturning steps and pirouettes. The third chapter, The Healthy Dancer, describesbody-conditioning exercises and exercises which will most benefit yourparticular physique, and also sensible eating habits and nutritious snacks. Thefourth chapter provides photographs (with captions) of some of the world's mostfamous historical and modern ballet performances, such as "A Month in theCountry," "The Nutcracker," "Swan Lake," "Four Last Songs," "Manon," "Giselle"and "Jardin de Alegrias."

The comprehensive glossary will initiate students into the terms used in thestudy of ballet. This handsome book will serve as an inspirational motivator, anexceptional teaching aid, and an ideal companion for students.

"The Ballet Book" includes a foreword by internationally renowned ballerinaKaren Kain, currently Artist-in-Residence for The National Ballet of Canada, anda preface by Mavis Staires, Artistic Director, Canada's National Ballet School.Toronto's National Ballet School is one of North America's premier balletschools, one of the best in the world, combining academic instruction with dancetraining. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

An excellent introduction for kids!
This survey of ballet dance for young performers provides a fine introduction for kids just beginning to explore the potentials of ballet. Black and white photos of students in action accompany tips on positioning, pointe work, allegros and ballet classes. A fine guide recommended for young newcomers to ballet. ... Read more

Book Description

Your 21/2-year-old is full of bouncing, dancing energy.

Tips for reading and sharing:

• Recite portions of the text as you dance with your child
• Point to and identify the body parts mentioned in the story
• Make up playful extensions to the text, such as "I've got teeth in my mouth; I've got hair on my head."

Reviews (1)

We love this book!
Wow, I have to disagree with the School Library Journal review above. I'm a children's librarian and we just love this book for storytime. It absolutely begs to be sung to the tune of "If You're Happy and You Know It." It gets kids moving, one body part at a time, so it's great for kids who are getting restless. They love the song, and the pictures too. ... Read more

Book Description

Between the demands of becoming a professional ballet dancer, pleasing her mother, and hanging out with her friends, CJ can't help but feel completely alone. What she really wants is a friend who will really listen to her, which she has found in Zoe. But there are some secrets that even best friends can't share. ... Read more

Reviews (30)

Great!
I really liked Please, Please, Please! Rachel Vail is a greatauthor. This book was very realistic; about a girl who having troubleliving up to her mother's expectations. Anyone can relate to CJ, a ballet maniac, who misses being a regular kid. Ms. Vail really understands how us girls feel! Also, it has some good ballet information in it, too. Take note, all you dancers out there!

Please, Please, Please Buy This Book!
I think the best thing about the girls in the Friendship Ring, is that there is something in each of them that you can relate to. CJ in Please, Please, Please is no exception. I recommend this well-written work of art to all females between the ages of 11 and 15. Two thumbs up-way up-for Rachel Vail, who makes me wonder if she's really a 7th grader in a 30-year-old's body.

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THIS BOOK IS ABOUT A GIRL THAT IS PUSHED INTO BALLET HOWEVER SHE DOESNT WANT TO DO BALLET SOO MUCH. A GOD BOOK FOR THOE OF U WITH MOTHERS WHO R PUSHING U 2 HARD.

Amazing!
i thought this book was great! its about a girl who is in 7th grade. her mom is always acting like her best friend, and she doesnt have any friends her own age except for one girl, morgan who gets on her nerves. cj (the girls name) wants to quit ballet and instead play soccor but she cannot figure out how to tell her mom that she would like to. her mother is set on her becoming a ballerina and she doesnt want to crush her mothers dreams 4 her. this book is relly interesting to read, and i think rachel vail is a very gud writer.

you'll so love this book
i like the book cuz the character cj has a lot of problems to deal with lying not being happy upsetting but in the end she has what she wants not what her mother wants and this book expresses alot of feeling and friendship matters thats why its a great book for any young teen or teens and each book of THE FRIENDSHIP RING HAS A DIFFERENT STORY ABOUT EACH FRIEND AND EVEN TOMMY THESE SERIES BOOKS ARE WONDERFUL SO GO TO BOOK STORES AND LOOK FOR THEM AND IN EACH BOOK YOU GIVES YOU LIKE FOUR OR FIVE PAGES ABOUT THE NEXT STORY MY FAVOITE ONE IS NOT THAT I CARE(MORGANS STORY) YAY!!!!!!!!!! ... Read more

Book Description

A lyrically told and beautifully illustrated story about the passage of time.

"It is never too late," said the star. "Why, one hundred years are nothing and no time. To a star, they are light and quick like seeds in the wind. You are still a little girl to us and we are waiting for you. Please come."

On her seventh birthday, a little girl sees a dancing star and makes a wish. Many years later, at the end of her long and happy life, the old woman climbs a very special ladder to the stars and her wish comes true.

This gentle parable addresses the beauty and the inevitability of the cycle of life. Themes of growth, death, and the passage of time are treated in a sensitive manner that opens the door to discussion by families of all faiths and beliefs.
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Book Description

Based on the 13th TV episode entitled, "Let's Dance, Sandy," in which the Ham-Hams rehearse for the Sunflower Seed Harvest Festival Talent Show. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Children will dance with delight!
Children love dinosaurs and young children will love this simple rhymingtext. The whimsical illustrations will have your children dancing withdelight as you read this story over and over.

Young children will dance with delight!
Children love dinosaurs and young children will love this simple rhymningtext. The delightful illustrations will have children dancing while youread the story over and over. ... Read more

Book Description