Ballet Bug [Hardcover]

Christine McDonnell (Author), Martha doty (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 24, 2001 | Age Level: 9 and up

Bea always thought ballet was boring. But when she sees a performance of Cinderella, she really catches the ballet bug. Classes are hard at first, but she makes a good friend, Margaret, who helps her through-and soon it's time to try out for The Nutcracker. From auditions to rehearsals to the cranky costume ladies to the first performance, Bea and Margaret are having a ball . . . except for the horrible twin sisters who are jealous of Margaret's success. When Margaret gets a chance to dance the starring role, will the twins be able to stop her? Chock full of the authentic detail that ballet fans will love, and written with Christine McDonnell's keen ear for the problems and feelings of her readership, Ballet Bug is perfect for anyone who loves ballet . . . or simply loves a good story.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 3-5-After she attends a slumber party for ballet-crazy Rebecca and watches the ballet Cinderella on a video, hockey-playing Bea gets the bug. She begins to take lessons and really enjoys them except for a pair of mean-spirited twins who try to spoil things for everyone. Maintaining a commitment to hockey and ballet becomes challenging when Bea has an opportunity to perform in The Nutcracker and discovers how much hard work is involved in a successful performance. She also manages to thwart a plot by the twins to ruin the debut of her new friend Margaret in the role of Clara when the child selected to play the part becomes ill. Through Bea, the excitement and challenge of the ballet world are appealingly captured. The twins are convincing villains-spoiled, whining, and vindictive-and definitely deserve a boo or two for their performance. This is a fast, fun read with a feisty main character and some interesting subplots, such as the reluctance of the ballet group to cast Margaret, a talented young black dancer, in the role of Clara even though she did the best audition. As Margaret and Bea both triumph, readers will applaud their successes.

Carol Schene, Taunton Public Schools, MA

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Review

This is a fast, fun read with a feisty main character... -- School Library Journal --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 112 pages
• Publisher: Viking Juvenile (September 24, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0670035084
• ISBN-13: 978-0670035083
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,499,212 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ballet Bug, October 10, 2001

By 

Sally Blabatoice (NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ballet Bug (Hardcover)

My 9 year old daughter never reads. I bought this book last week after "judging a book by its cover," the illustrations were fabulous. She has not put it down since! Great book for young readers.

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WONDERFUL ARTWORK, January 15, 2004

By 

Stelli Fadekudis (USA ALL THE WAY!) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ballet Bug (Mass Market Paperback)

I have just purchased a copy of ballet bug, mostly becuase of viewing the cover. THE SECOND GIRL ON THE COVER, THE TAN ONE, IS ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!! Not only is the writing good but the arwork is fantastiC!!!!!!! =) =) =D =D!!!!!!!!! That second girl on the cover was outstandingly gorgeous and i wish to see more of that character in other books. in fact, she should star in every single book out there! AH SHE IS BEAUTIOUS I CANT STAND IT!!!!!

Sincerely
sTelli fAdeKudis

0 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars About learning the real challenges of dance, December 16, 2001

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ballet Bug (Hardcover)

Christine McDonnell's Ballet Bug tells of Bea, who thinks ballet is boring until a slumber party movie awakens her passion for dance. She enters a ballet class and learns the real challenges of dance as she struggles to catch up with her peers and faces a pair of vengeful twin competitors.