Friedman and Dowdle, who previously collaborated on Break a Leg! The Kids’ Guide to Acting and Stagecraft, follow 13-year-old Fiona, a real-life fledging ballerina, on her journey from hopeful auditionee to starring performer as Clara in the Boston Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker. Writing in Fiona’s voice, Friedman doesn’t always strike the most authentic tone—she too often uses dialogue to do the expository heavy lifting—but like Mother Ginger, she has an endless store of delicious details and insights. Fiona talks about her aches and pains (“Sometimes hurt so much that I want to cry”), her sacrifices (“I miss going to birthday parties and the movies, being in school talent shows, sleepovers—normal stuff”), the fierce competition, and even what Clara and the Prince talk about while they’re floating over the stage in a balloon headed for the Kingdom of Sweets. Dowdle’s photographs, the result of extraordinary access to the production, immerse readers in the hard work of rehearsals and backstage life. But when it comes to the performance itself, there’s perhaps too much documentation of famed Nutcracker moments and not enough bravura shots of Fiona. Ages 7–9. (Oct.)
"A feast for the eye for all readers. . . . Ballet lovers will relish the behind-the-scenes look at this land of enchantment." — Kirkus Reviews
"A fascinating book for young ballet students and a fresh introduction to that perennial favorite, The Nutcracker." — Booklist
"Ballet lovers and wannabe performers will enjoy this backstage look at a young dancer’s journey . . . A lively look at a production for aspiring dancers."
— School Library Journal
"Friedman . . . has an endless store of delicious details and insights. Dowdle’s photographs, the result of extraordinary access to the production, immerse readers in the hard work of rehearsals and backstage life." — Publishers Weekly
"Young dancers will be entranced by the fascinating details of rehearsals, costuming, and staging, while Nutcracker fans will treasure this intimate view of a beloved holiday tradition." — The Horn Book
"Becoming a Ballerina, geared for ages 7 and up, paints a vivid portrait of Wada-Gill's artistic life, the years of balancing intensive dance training with homework demands and social activities." — The Boston Globe
"Becoming a Ballerina, geared for ages 7 and up, paints a vivid portrait of Wada-Gill's artistic life, the years of balancing intensive dance training with homework demands and social activities."
"Young dancers will be entranced by the fascinating details of rehearsals, costuming, and staging, while Nutcracker fans will treasure this intimate view of a beloved holiday tradition."
"A fascinating book for young ballet students and a fresh introduction to that perennial favorite, The Nutcracker."
Gr 3–7—Ballet lovers and wannabe performers will enjoy this backstage look at a young dancer's journey from classes to auditions to rehearsals for her starring role as Clara in The Nutcracker. The book begins with Fiona's opening-night jitters as she prepares to go onstage. Through an effective use of flashback, her story of hard work and preparation is unspooled. Excellent-quality full-color photos on almost every page provide glimpses into her warm and supportive family and the members of the Boston Ballet Company as she rehearses and works through her fears and nerves. Although aspects of the ballet are explained in the narrative, e.g., the importance of mime gestures in the wordless world of ballet, there are no definitions of such terms as arabesque, chassé, épaulement effacé, etc., in order to broaden the appeal to curious newcomers. The photographs amplify the text, but captions lack some needed details, e.g., is that Fiona's little sister as one of the lambs? Overall, a lively look at a production for aspiring dancers.—Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA
A young student in the Boston Ballet School lands the plum role of Clara in The Nutcracker through her hard work, determination and talent. Fiona's story, told in the first person, unfolds in the months before Boston Ballet's Nutcracker season, a Christmas holiday fixture. Daily hours of practice and weeks of rehearsal result in a splendid opening-night performance. Fiona lives in Boston with her mother and two sisters, one older and one younger, who also take classes and perform in The Nutcracker. Fortunately, their mother willingly and lovingly supports them. Fiona's activities with friends at school are of necessity curtailed, but she relishes the camaraderie with the other ballet students and with members of the company. The narration provides an illuminating and detailed picture of the hard work and single-minded dedication that is required. The many full-color photographs help readers see both the beauty of the performance and the strength of mind and body required for ballet. There are some humorous moments, along with a running description of Fiona's difficulties in hitting the Mouse King with her ballet slipper. The Boston Ballet production is beautifully costumed, providing a feast for the eye for all readers. A glossary of ballet terms would have been helpful. Ballet lovers will relish the behind-the-scenes look at this land of enchantment. (Nonfiction. 9-14)
