It is a rare author who can write authentically about ballet and prison. Dancers will appreciate Nova Ren Suma’s realistic depiction of teen dancers in an otherwise hyperrealistic story of murder, secrets, and suspense. Who is lying and what is the truth?
young adult
Family Drama and Ballet Dreams at the Heart of YA Novel, Wish
Pretending is part of ballet but Indigo, an aspiring ballerina, is especially good at it. She presents normalcy even though her mother’s alcoholism creates drama at home. What makes Indigo so relatable? Find out in our review of Wish, by Grier Cooper.
Summer Dance: Fiction With Real Insight And Heart
In the midst of tough competition and authentic episodes of teenage drama, Lynn Swanson’s characters learn and demonstrate ways to get along and work together. This timeless “young adult” novel will appeal to both non-dancers and dancers alike.
Grace Makes Beauty Out Of Ugly Things
Four years ago, a young dancer, Melinda Marchiano was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. She’s transformed her confrontation with cancer into something beautiful, documenting her path through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery in a memoir, Grace: A Child’s Intimate Journey Through Cancer and Recovery, which she published in October, 2010. Melinda talks with DA about cancer, her book, and her future plans.
