Katarina Ballerina

April 1, 2020
Can a self-taught dancer make it big in the world of ballet? Katarina dreams of being a ballerina, but lessons are expensive, so she's been teaching herself via the internet. Then at the school talent show her dad sees her passion and finally agrees to pay for lessons. Katarina's first class is difficult and embarrassing, but with the help of a new best friend and encouragement from principal New York City Ballet dancer Tiler Peck (acting as character), Katarina might be able to dance her way to her dream. An endless stream of inspirationally flat dialogue and narration fill the short chapters of this quick read co-written by real-life ballerina Peck and actor Harris. A charming concept gives way to pandering wish fulfillment that may satisfy only readers who don't know anything about formal dance class, as the passages about ballet are less than believable. Readers should go to either Noel Streatfield's classic Ballet Shoes (1936) or Maddie Ziegler's contemporary The Audition (2017) for a more realistic look at dance. The cover depicts Katarina with light brown skin and light brown curls, but Collina's black-and-white drawings and the lack of any specific racial or cultural details in the text points to an assumed white protagonist with unruly curls. Some supporting characters have diverse names or appearances. A fluffy read for kids who like dance in theory, not in practice. (Fiction. 8-10)

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June 1, 2020

Gr 3-6-On her walk to school, Katarina stops and watches beautiful ballet on a New York City storefront television as she dreams of being a dancer. Her struggle at the school talent show proves that it's not as easy as it looks, so she enrolls in ballet school where her bright red leotard and curly hair don't quite fit the mold. Katarina quickly realizes that there is more to learn in order to fit into this new world; but her love of ballet and hard work mean that anything is possible as she overcomes obstacles and self-doubt. The message that staying true to one's identity takes priority over fitting into expectations is a positive one, although Katarina's challenges are a little too easily resolved. Her single father has financial difficulties but the consequences never seem more than theoretical. The secondary characters, which include a supportive subway busker and ice-queen class bully, are fairly one-dimensional. Katarina's best friend Sunny is largely a tool to further the plot, first helping Katarina improve her technical ability, then causing conflict, then getting hurt at just the right time for Katarina to step up and shine. The outcomes, while predictable, are still enjoyable. Katarina is a likeable and relatable protagonist. There are appearances by the author, a self-insertion that will please ballet fans familiar with Peck's celebrated ballet career, in which she offers kind and sage advice. Cute illustrations and a pleasant font increase readability and appeal. VERDICT Young dance enthusiasts will jet� with joy for this lighthearted pursuit of a dream.-Alyssa Annico, Youngstown State Univ., OH

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