Becoming a Ballerina by Friedman and Dowdle - OPTIONAL

Friedman, Lisa and Dowdle, Mary Becoming a Ballerina, 44 pgs. Viking (Penguin), 2012. $18.99. Language:G; Mature Content: G; Violence:G. 

This nonfiction book takes a look at the life, feelings, and experiences of Fiona, a pre professional ballerina. Fiona lives in the dance world.  Most of her time is spent at school and the studio.  Interspersed in her ideas and thoughts is a rendition of the Nutcracker ballet, in which she performs as Clara. Fiona expresses the blood, sweat, and tears involved in being a ballerina along with the ecstatic joys of a good performance. Although this book sheds true light on the life of a ballerina, the storyline is too choppy.  The authors jump from Fiona to the stage, from 3rd person to 1st person, all in the same paragraph. Often, it is hard to know which speaker is addressing the audience.   The blending of her life and the Nutcracker is a great idea, but it should flow better.  

EL, MS- OPTIONAL. Reviewer:MOMMC