Dancing in Red Shoes
Will Kill You
By Dorian Cirrone
HarperCollins, February 2005
For ages 12-up
ISBN: 006055701X (Hardcover)
Awards and Recognition
• American Library Association Popular Paperback for Young Adults 2007
• Amelia Bloomer List for Feminist Fiction 2006
• New York Public Library Best Books for the Teen Age 2006
• Texas State (Tayshas) High School Reading List 2006-2007
• American Library Association Teens’ Top Ten Nominee 2005
Synopsis
Kayla Callaway has been studying ballet since she learned to walk, and her heart is set on a future in the dance world. She's sure she'll get a solo part in Cinderella, the spring ballet at her high school.
But when the parts are finally posted, Kayla is shocked that she's only landed a role as a stepsister – and an ugly one, at that! The brutal truth: Ballet and big boobs don't mix. Suddenly Kayla's dream for the future has become a real-life fractured fairy tale.
To make matters worse, bloodred pointe shoes with threatening messages start popping up all over school. When Kayla learns that she'll be wearing red pointe shoes in the ballet, she wonders if the messages are meant for her. But who are they from? And more important – what do they mean?
Reviews
“Smart and humorous, negotiating some provocative territory with grace and flair and employing the Cinderella motif with quiet effectiveness.” (Recommended)
– Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“It’s terrific to have a cast of characters so talented, smart, and socially responsible.”
– KLIATT
“Kayla is the sort of funny, generous person anyone would love to have for a best friend. …Cirrone is an author to watch.”
– School Library Journal
“Cirrone's debut novel convincingly portrays teens' repartee with the ever-fertile issues of gender politics and self-expression. Combined with the unstinting supply of boob humor, this will keep many YAs, particularly those with breasts, amused and intellectually engaged.”
– Booklist
“The mystery and its resolution — as well as Kayla’s own soul-searching about her body – raise thought-provoking questions about cultural expectations for girls and women.”
– Publishers Weekly
“This book explores the issues of peer pressure, conformity, becoming comfortable with self, and keeping a sense of humor when life hands you curves. It is funny, at times heart wrenching, and sure to be a hit …”
– Children’s Literature
“Throw in a protest (The Pen-Is Mightier Than Censorship) … a love interest who understands feminism, a rival saboteur, a gay best friend, more pop culture references, refreshing humor and dialogue, and a protagonist who finds self-acceptance in a judgmental society, and this will find a ready audience.”
– Kirkus
“It is funny and hip and reminiscent of Rob Thomas but with softer edges.”
– Terri Lesesne (Professor Nana)
