Bunheads, by Sophie Flack

This was a pretty good read about a young ballerina who wishes to rise in her company.  At the same time, she is starting to question all the time and effort she puts in, and the fact that her life truly is not her own, but given over to the dance.  As such, I have it on good word from a friend of mine who used to be a professional ballerina that this is probably not the best book to give a girl or guy who is actually a ballet dancer, or a former one.  After she looked at it, she determined that it was “too close to the real thing”.  SO, I think it is safe to say that this is a good book for those of us who love and/or would like to learn about the life offstage.  It gave me a very healthy appreciation for what these artists give of themselves in order to perfect their craft and create the magic of such favorites of mine as “Swan Lake” and “The Nutcracker”.  I suggest 15 and up as the best age at which to read this book, since the main character does deal with or encounter certain situations (e.g. eating disorders and sexuality).  

Jersey Tomatoes Are the Best, by Maria Padian

Jersey Tomatoes Are the Best, by Maria Padian, is a feel-good novel about two best friends who are going their separate ways for the summer.  Eva is going to a ballet summer program in New York City, while Henry (short for Henriette) is off to a prestigious tennis camp in Florida.  It’s the first time both girls have been apart for an extended period of time.  While Jersey Tomatoes is a lighter read, it does deal with some serious issues.  Each girl has an overbearing parent who seems to want nothing more than to live through his or her daughter’s talent.  While Eva is passionate about dance and Henry lives tennis, both also feel conflicted and even dislike what they’re doing at times.  They are constantly dealing with issues that are specific to what they do. In the end, the story asks these questions: What are the important things in life?  Who are you as a person?  How are you going to react if put in a given situation?  What is the right decision to make?  All in all, this is a very good read, and a healthy read, for girls 14-15 and up.  I really enjoyed reading it.  There is a lot of tennis lingo, but it does not take away from the story.  I don’t know anything about tennis and very little about ballet and I was able to follow Henry as she plays her game and Eva as she becomes alive on the dance floor.  Jersey Tomatoes Are the Best is also a good one for those who liked reading The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series.