Off Pointe

Gr 5 Up—Meg has devoted her life to ballet to the exclusion of other social activities and even friends. When her summer ballet class is canceled, her parents sign her up for Camp Dance. Unfortunately, this camp does every kind of dance except ballet, and Meg really isn't interested. The teen's already struggling with her dance teacher's statement that she won't get to the "next level" until she improves her stage presence and connects with her audience. Add to that a camper who seems to take an instant dislike to Meg, and the summer doesn't look promising. Although the protagonist is a rising sophomore, this novel works best with younger readers. The plot and resolution are predictable, but the setting may appeal to dancers or summer campers. Dance moves which could be visually intriguing are difficult to convey in words, and a significant amount of space is expended attempting to do so. Even more significant, character motivation is superficial. For example, possible reasons behind the hostility of one camper toward Meg are suggested, but never fully explored, and the gay self-identification of another character is glossed over. Recommended primarily for reluctant readers.—Katherine Koenig, The Ellis School, PA