Linda Blake

This is the story of what happens when the Marina Ballet School moves temporarily to Dorset, to get away from the heat of London and the noise of building work. Laura and her friends prepare for their end-of-year exams, including creating a short ballet as their free dancing.

It's not really very thrilling as plots go, although there are a few exciting moments, and the characterisation isn't brilliant, though it's not bad. But it's well-written, it moves at a good pace, and for some reason it's quite a page-turner.… (plus d'informations)

A slightly obscure book from the late 1960s, well out of print now. It's rather in the Noel Streatfeild style: Laura, an orphan, is given a scholarship to a ballet school where she makes friends and also enemies.

In a way it's more a school story than a character-driven book like Streatfeild's, but still enjoyable. Laura is a very likeable girl, totally driven by ballet but quiet and shy, and unaware that she has the potential for great ability.

There are fairly typical school dramas, ups and downs, and an exciting climax. Very readable - of course it's intended for girls of about 10-14, so it's not particularly deep or difficult. I suspect that these days many teens would find it beneath them, or rather stereotyped (Laura's enemy is wealthy and snooty as well as a brilliant dancer) but a confident reader of 8-11 would probably enjoy it, particularly those who like ballet. I don't see why boys shouldn't like it too, since there are boys in the story, but inevitably it will appeal more to girls.

Enjoyed again on re-reading after another nine years!… (plus d'informations)