tallulahchanel's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
ms_aprilvincent's review
4.0
Quvenzhané Wallis is 14 years old and she's an Oscar-nominated actress and best-selling author. What a superstar!
〰
Shai's dance teacher decides to enter her students in a local dance competition. The students will dance in groups, and Shai, her best friend Emmie, and their friend Rio are going to tap dance to "Singin' in the Rain." She makes a secret bet with her frenemy Gabby that her group, the Dancy Pants Trio, will win a medal at the competition.
Because of the bet, Shai becomes a harsh rehearsal leader, and her friends aren't having fun, which is the whole reason they're entering the competition in the first place.
〰
Meanwhile, Shai is sure that her grandma and aunt have a huge secret, and it becomes a mystery for her to solve.
〰
Shai's part of a big family; she's the second of four children, and each has a distinct and recognizable personality. There's the aloof older brother who's in middle school, so practically an adult, according to Shai, who's eight. She's got an energetic little sister and a sweet baby brother, both of whom she loves but occasionally find annoying (this is familiar territory to anyone with siblings). Her grandma and aunt live nearby and spend a lot of time at Shai's family's house. It's clear that they're a close and loving family. There's a lot in the way they interact that reminded me of my own family dynamic, both she I was a kid and now.
〰
The story is simple but realistic in its voice and in Shai's perception of her world. While Wallis is clearly the storyteller, you can tell when Ohlin has stepped in to finesse the language and plot.
〰
I found the story sweet, refreshing, and funny. This is the second in a series, and I believe there are more expected. I'd definitely recommend this to young readers.
I received this book as a digital arc from netgalley.
〰
Shai's dance teacher decides to enter her students in a local dance competition. The students will dance in groups, and Shai, her best friend Emmie, and their friend Rio are going to tap dance to "Singin' in the Rain." She makes a secret bet with her frenemy Gabby that her group, the Dancy Pants Trio, will win a medal at the competition.
Because of the bet, Shai becomes a harsh rehearsal leader, and her friends aren't having fun, which is the whole reason they're entering the competition in the first place.
〰
Meanwhile, Shai is sure that her grandma and aunt have a huge secret, and it becomes a mystery for her to solve.
〰
Shai's part of a big family; she's the second of four children, and each has a distinct and recognizable personality. There's the aloof older brother who's in middle school, so practically an adult, according to Shai, who's eight. She's got an energetic little sister and a sweet baby brother, both of whom she loves but occasionally find annoying (this is familiar territory to anyone with siblings). Her grandma and aunt live nearby and spend a lot of time at Shai's family's house. It's clear that they're a close and loving family. There's a lot in the way they interact that reminded me of my own family dynamic, both she I was a kid and now.
〰
The story is simple but realistic in its voice and in Shai's perception of her world. While Wallis is clearly the storyteller, you can tell when Ohlin has stepped in to finesse the language and plot.
〰
I found the story sweet, refreshing, and funny. This is the second in a series, and I believe there are more expected. I'd definitely recommend this to young readers.
I received this book as a digital arc from netgalley.
naomiysl's review
3.0
The vocabulary is a bit heavy for an early chapter book, but the message of friendship and not needing to win is spot on. Side plot mystery was fun as well, and also upped the complexity of the read. I would only hand this to an early reader who is almost ready to move into midgrade fiction, or someone who is reading with support.
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