"A 21st century delightful ballet story about friendship and facing your fears."
November 2024 Book of the Month
Indu loves her ballet lessons at the Shine and Shimmer dance school, but she’s starting to feel different to her ballet besties. Unlike her friends she doesn’t want a career as a ballerina and she doesn’t enjoy being the centre of attention, she just wants to enjoy dancing as a fun hobby. When her dance teacher announces they are going to perform Cinderella Indu is not sure if she is up to the challenge. Can she conquer her worries or will she let her friends down?
The second instalment in the fantastic Ballet Besties series is a joy from start to finish. Co-authored by Principal ballerina, Yasmine Naghdi, it is a must read for all ballet fans. Technical terms and dance descriptions are skilfully interwoven into the narrative, so that readers develop their ballet knowledge as they enjoy the story.
I was particularly impressed by the contemporary feel to the novel, this is a ballet story for the 21st century. The (un)affordability of access to the arts is gently handled, with Indu struggling to afford a trip alongside her friends and a scholarship fund being set up. Something that will undoubtedly resonate with many young readers. And while all the ballet besties enjoy dancing, not all of them see it as a future career, instead the friends are a well-balanced bunch with a mix of interests and aspirations.
As with the first book in the series, the heart of the story lies in the fantastically drawn characters. From shy Indu to exuberant Dante, their personalities and friendships shine as brightly as their sparkly leotards. This is a must read for ballet fans, but will also be enjoyed by readers who love stories about friendship and working together.
Join LoveReading4Kids Editorial Expert Amy Mckay and LoveReading4Kids Ambassador Priya in conversation with authors Yasmine Naghdi & Chitra Soundar.
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