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The Strength of Ballerinas
All Kendra wants to do is audition for the Manhattan Dance Company. But when a debilitating illness threatens to overwhelm her, she must decide which dreams are worth fighting for.
256 pages, Paperback
First published September 7, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 31, 2014
I just wanted to start out with the first discussion question at the end of the book. "Did you ever want to become a ballerina? Why? Was it the art, the fame, the tutus, or something else?" That question really hit home for me because from the time I was teeny tiny, I wanted to be a ballerina. I loved ballet! I loved the poofy, beautiful tutus, of course, but it was the art the really captured my attention. Ballerinas are so graceful and beautiful. Unfortunately, we couldn't ever afford lessons, so I never became a ballerina. When I went to college, they offered a beginning ballet course for a PE credit. You better believe that I signed up! I've always felt like a ballerina soul that's been trapped in a clumsy body, but I still love it.
Kendra knows exactly what she wants in life and she has the willpower, dedication, and persistence to make those dreams happen. Some might say she's a little obsessed with her dream to become an apprentice in the Manhattan Dance Company, but I loved that determination and focus. Not many teens know what they want and I loved watching her go for it. She suffers a setback when her father announces suddenly that they're moving across the country, but her nature allows for her to find a way to continue on with her goal. Then Kendra suffers another blow--her health might not allow for her to move forward with her life plan.
What I enjoyed most, aside from the ballet, was watching this strong soul come to terms with what life has given her. She's human and shows anger, denial, and fear, yet she also shows great courage and hope. I enjoyed every minute of Kendra's story.
My one minor complaint is the ending. I know it doesn't really matter, but I wanted a big question spelled out in black and white. Oh, well. It was still an amazing journey!
Content: Completely Clean!
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
Kendra knows exactly what she wants in life and she has the willpower, dedication, and persistence to make those dreams happen. Some might say she's a little obsessed with her dream to become an apprentice in the Manhattan Dance Company, but I loved that determination and focus. Not many teens know what they want and I loved watching her go for it. She suffers a setback when her father announces suddenly that they're moving across the country, but her nature allows for her to find a way to continue on with her goal. Then Kendra suffers another blow--her health might not allow for her to move forward with her life plan.
What I enjoyed most, aside from the ballet, was watching this strong soul come to terms with what life has given her. She's human and shows anger, denial, and fear, yet she also shows great courage and hope. I enjoyed every minute of Kendra's story.
My one minor complaint is the ending. I know it doesn't really matter, but I wanted a big question spelled out in black and white. Oh, well. It was still an amazing journey!
Content: Completely Clean!
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
February 12, 2017
A free copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
For aspiring ballerina Kendra Sutton, dance is life. Kendra attends a special school that allows her to leave early for ballet classes, spends hours each day practicing in the studio and at home, and carefully considers the nutritional and caloric value of all her food before she eats it. She’s in training to audition for a coveted apprenticeship at the Manhattan Dance Company, a dream that’s threatened when her father announces that his job is requiring them to move from New York to California.
Despite Kendra’s protests, she and her family relocate to Napa Valley, where she must reconcile her city girl mentality with the new reality of farmland and rural living. She must also adjust to life in public school, where she’s picked on and misunderstood. Most challenging of all, Kendra must figure out a way to keep dancing on a pre-professional level and pursue her dreams of a future on the stage.
While struggling to come to terms with her new life, Kendra’s world is rocked by yet another setback: a diagnosis that jeopardizes not just her career as a dancer, but her life in general. This unexpected diagnosis forces Kendra to reevaluate her identity and think about her life in a whole new way. She’s a ballerina, but is that all she is? Is performing with the Manhattan Dance Company worth fighting for, or is there a different future in store for her?
I have to admit that when I first began reading The Strength of Ballerinas, I wasn’t fond of Kendra. She struck me as being rigid, stubborn, and unyielding. Her view of herself as a Spartan warrior and her mantra of “Endure! Resist! Achieve!” made her feel robotic and unrelatable, and I was convinced I wouldn’t like her.
As the story progressed, however, I began to view Kendra in a different light. The characteristics I’d originally perceived as flaws soon revealed themselves as her greatest strengths. What I’d initially seen as stubbornness and inflexibility were actually admirable dedication and discipline. Behind the Spartan spirit were the strength to keep forging ahead no matter what and a refusal to give up. I found myself developing a grudging respect for Kendra and her ability to meet any and all challenges she faced.
Readers who are ballerinas in fact, or even just at heart, will appreciate Lorenz’ debut novel. Those who aren’t familiar with the world of dance may find themselves frustrated by the abundance of ballet terminology, but that doesn’t mean you have to be a dancer to enjoy this book. There are a lot of other subplots here, like Kendra’s relationships with her family members.
Kendra’s brother Petey, for example, adds another dimension to the book. Petey is six years old and autistic, and Kendra devotes much of her time to caring for him. This is no easy task – simple acts such as combing Petey’s hair and getting him dressed take a great deal of time and effort. It doesn’t help that Petey shies away from human touch, occasionally throws tantrums, and rarely speaks or displays emotion. Still, Kendra genuinely loves her little brother. She volunteers at his school and guides him through therapeutic exercises to help him function on a higher level. She’s a great big sister, and I really admired this about her.
All in all, reading The Strength of Ballerinas was a great experience, one that I recommend. Kendra’s passion, perseverance, and love for her family make this book a success, as does the realistic and meaningful ending.
This review can also be found on my blog, Angela's Library.
For aspiring ballerina Kendra Sutton, dance is life. Kendra attends a special school that allows her to leave early for ballet classes, spends hours each day practicing in the studio and at home, and carefully considers the nutritional and caloric value of all her food before she eats it. She’s in training to audition for a coveted apprenticeship at the Manhattan Dance Company, a dream that’s threatened when her father announces that his job is requiring them to move from New York to California.
Despite Kendra’s protests, she and her family relocate to Napa Valley, where she must reconcile her city girl mentality with the new reality of farmland and rural living. She must also adjust to life in public school, where she’s picked on and misunderstood. Most challenging of all, Kendra must figure out a way to keep dancing on a pre-professional level and pursue her dreams of a future on the stage.
While struggling to come to terms with her new life, Kendra’s world is rocked by yet another setback: a diagnosis that jeopardizes not just her career as a dancer, but her life in general. This unexpected diagnosis forces Kendra to reevaluate her identity and think about her life in a whole new way. She’s a ballerina, but is that all she is? Is performing with the Manhattan Dance Company worth fighting for, or is there a different future in store for her?
I have to admit that when I first began reading The Strength of Ballerinas, I wasn’t fond of Kendra. She struck me as being rigid, stubborn, and unyielding. Her view of herself as a Spartan warrior and her mantra of “Endure! Resist! Achieve!” made her feel robotic and unrelatable, and I was convinced I wouldn’t like her.
As the story progressed, however, I began to view Kendra in a different light. The characteristics I’d originally perceived as flaws soon revealed themselves as her greatest strengths. What I’d initially seen as stubbornness and inflexibility were actually admirable dedication and discipline. Behind the Spartan spirit were the strength to keep forging ahead no matter what and a refusal to give up. I found myself developing a grudging respect for Kendra and her ability to meet any and all challenges she faced.
Readers who are ballerinas in fact, or even just at heart, will appreciate Lorenz’ debut novel. Those who aren’t familiar with the world of dance may find themselves frustrated by the abundance of ballet terminology, but that doesn’t mean you have to be a dancer to enjoy this book. There are a lot of other subplots here, like Kendra’s relationships with her family members.
Kendra’s brother Petey, for example, adds another dimension to the book. Petey is six years old and autistic, and Kendra devotes much of her time to caring for him. This is no easy task – simple acts such as combing Petey’s hair and getting him dressed take a great deal of time and effort. It doesn’t help that Petey shies away from human touch, occasionally throws tantrums, and rarely speaks or displays emotion. Still, Kendra genuinely loves her little brother. She volunteers at his school and guides him through therapeutic exercises to help him function on a higher level. She’s a great big sister, and I really admired this about her.
All in all, reading The Strength of Ballerinas was a great experience, one that I recommend. Kendra’s passion, perseverance, and love for her family make this book a success, as does the realistic and meaningful ending.
This review can also be found on my blog, Angela's Library.
September 24, 2014
Kendra is focused on one thing in life--to be a ballerina and she works hard. She's also good and is close to getting into the apprentice program for the Manhattan Dance Company. Her mother died six years ago and she has a younger brother, Petey, who is autistic. Her father tells her one night that he got a new job and they're moving to California in two days. She's stunned and doesn't want to go. Of course, she does go and realizes what a different world the west coast is and figures out where she fits in their new life.
This is a book that I enjoyed reading. Kendra was a teenager that was set on dancing and when she was forced to move, she tried to make the best of it. I like, too, that her life in New York had been so focused on herself and her career that when she didn't have that anymore, she was able to make some honest connections with people. She learned more about her best friend that she left behind and made new friends who truly were there for her. She also connected more with her autistic brother and became involved and interested in making his life better.
She also has a health issue to deal with and is determined to dance in spite of it. I liked what she was able to learn through that trial. She's a typical teenager at times but has some growing experiences that change her along the way. It's inspirational as Kendra found a way to deal with the tough situations that came her way. There were also some great supporting characters that added new dimensions to the story. This is a book I enjoyed reading and I am looking forward to more from this author in the future!
I received a copy of this to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
This is a book that I enjoyed reading. Kendra was a teenager that was set on dancing and when she was forced to move, she tried to make the best of it. I like, too, that her life in New York had been so focused on herself and her career that when she didn't have that anymore, she was able to make some honest connections with people. She learned more about her best friend that she left behind and made new friends who truly were there for her. She also connected more with her autistic brother and became involved and interested in making his life better.
She also has a health issue to deal with and is determined to dance in spite of it. I liked what she was able to learn through that trial. She's a typical teenager at times but has some growing experiences that change her along the way. It's inspirational as Kendra found a way to deal with the tough situations that came her way. There were also some great supporting characters that added new dimensions to the story. This is a book I enjoyed reading and I am looking forward to more from this author in the future!
I received a copy of this to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
September 9, 2014
I enjoyed this thought-provoking first novel by Nancy Lorenz; I found myself making time to get back to the story, even though I had other pressing things to do. Definitely not the kind of book you have to push yourself to read!
Kendra is a great main character - flawed yet striving to do right by those around her. Despite a discovered, potentially disastrous disability, she presses forward in life, finding that what we do should not define us - but rather, what we are should define how/why we do what we do.
Dramatic moments occur in the story, but it is a quiet, thoughtful book overall - somewhat "literary" yet also seeming effortless - I wish more YA books traced the personal journey of their main character with this kind of depth.
Any reservations? Kendra lies once and disobeys her father a couple of times, both without serious repercussions. There is one instance of implied swearing. A member of the high school "goth" group is portrayed positively as not being afraid of who she is.
The book was the perfect length and ended just at the right moment. It stands alone perfectly, but I would be interested in another book following Kendra into college. Lorenz created a character who is very believable and garnered my sympathies from the beginning.
Recommended for: Young Adult (15+) - particularly if parents discuss the book with their teens.
Note: I received this book from the publishing company in exchange for my honest opinion. I am not compensated in any way for this review, and all opinions are my own.
Kendra is a great main character - flawed yet striving to do right by those around her. Despite a discovered, potentially disastrous disability, she presses forward in life, finding that what we do should not define us - but rather, what we are should define how/why we do what we do.
Dramatic moments occur in the story, but it is a quiet, thoughtful book overall - somewhat "literary" yet also seeming effortless - I wish more YA books traced the personal journey of their main character with this kind of depth.
Any reservations? Kendra lies once and disobeys her father a couple of times, both without serious repercussions. There is one instance of implied swearing. A member of the high school "goth" group is portrayed positively as not being afraid of who she is.
The book was the perfect length and ended just at the right moment. It stands alone perfectly, but I would be interested in another book following Kendra into college. Lorenz created a character who is very believable and garnered my sympathies from the beginning.
Recommended for: Young Adult (15+) - particularly if parents discuss the book with their teens.
Note: I received this book from the publishing company in exchange for my honest opinion. I am not compensated in any way for this review, and all opinions are my own.
September 8, 2014
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May I just say that The Strength of Ballerinas is a really inspirational read and it will make you feel proud and like you need to pursue those dreams you’ve always put off.
The one thing that I had difficulty with in this book was the ballet terms. I’ve never really held an interest in ballet at all, and so I found that I had to google a lot of the terms, because I couldn’t imagine the moves in my mind and it was bugging me slightly. But other than that it was an amazingly inspirational read.
Kendra was definitely a character that readers felt proud of, even if they felt that she was pulling the poor me routine a couple too many times. This made her much more realistic as does her battle to decide what to do when she is diagnosed with MS. Throughout the book we get to see her at her best and her worst. It’s really an amazing journey and while I have never really known much about MS, I did learn some more about it and the effects. Not to mention I got to see Kendra’s struggle with MS. It made for an interesting read.
The writing was well done, and didn’t detract from the book at all. It was easy to imagine many of the characters and feel some kind of emotion about them whether it be dislike or admiration.
The Strength of Ballerinas was amazing, inspirational and overall, just a book that everyone should read once.
Find this review and many others at Reading Shy With Aly
May I just say that The Strength of Ballerinas is a really inspirational read and it will make you feel proud and like you need to pursue those dreams you’ve always put off.
The one thing that I had difficulty with in this book was the ballet terms. I’ve never really held an interest in ballet at all, and so I found that I had to google a lot of the terms, because I couldn’t imagine the moves in my mind and it was bugging me slightly. But other than that it was an amazingly inspirational read.
Kendra was definitely a character that readers felt proud of, even if they felt that she was pulling the poor me routine a couple too many times. This made her much more realistic as does her battle to decide what to do when she is diagnosed with MS. Throughout the book we get to see her at her best and her worst. It’s really an amazing journey and while I have never really known much about MS, I did learn some more about it and the effects. Not to mention I got to see Kendra’s struggle with MS. It made for an interesting read.
The writing was well done, and didn’t detract from the book at all. It was easy to imagine many of the characters and feel some kind of emotion about them whether it be dislike or admiration.
The Strength of Ballerinas was amazing, inspirational and overall, just a book that everyone should read once.
Find this review and many others at Reading Shy With Aly
September 9, 2014
3.5 stars rounding up
I haven't had much exposure to the world of ballerinas but I do love watching them dance. There is something so delicate to ballet. Obviously, ballet takes a great deal of dedication and hard work. That I do know but I've never experienced it first hand.
Kendra is young and growing up quickly. Life has dealt her many challenges. Her mother passed away, her brother is autistic, her dad gets laid off and is forced to move across the country. Kendra faces a new home, a new school and struggles to give up her dream of dancing with the Manhattan Dance Company. Then, on top of it all, Kendra learns she has an illness that can be quite debilitating- especially as a dancer.
Most of the book is Kendra's journey through tough things. It's a good story that inspires all those "don't give up" feelings. I was rooting for Kendra, hoping she would figure things out and find a place within herself that she was at peace.
This is a gentle book. There are no heart pounding moments, no real romance and no climactic build-up but it is still compelling and endearing. And clean! :)
I think young teenage girls who love dance will be especially interested in this book.
I haven't had much exposure to the world of ballerinas but I do love watching them dance. There is something so delicate to ballet. Obviously, ballet takes a great deal of dedication and hard work. That I do know but I've never experienced it first hand.
Kendra is young and growing up quickly. Life has dealt her many challenges. Her mother passed away, her brother is autistic, her dad gets laid off and is forced to move across the country. Kendra faces a new home, a new school and struggles to give up her dream of dancing with the Manhattan Dance Company. Then, on top of it all, Kendra learns she has an illness that can be quite debilitating- especially as a dancer.
Most of the book is Kendra's journey through tough things. It's a good story that inspires all those "don't give up" feelings. I was rooting for Kendra, hoping she would figure things out and find a place within herself that she was at peace.
This is a gentle book. There are no heart pounding moments, no real romance and no climactic build-up but it is still compelling and endearing. And clean! :)
I think young teenage girls who love dance will be especially interested in this book.
December 29, 2014
I don't know much about ballet, but I love stories about girls finding their courage and strength, and I have a soft spot for main characters with (realistically portrayed) disabilities, so I really enjoyed this book. The ballet terms sometimes went over my head, but I understood enough to get the idea of what the character was doing and how much ballet meant to her, so I didn't see them as a problem, and people who are familiar with ballet will probably appreciate the accuracy.
December 7, 2015
Gave me a better idea of the. Emotional reaction to the diagnosis of MS. Confirmed my belief in the power of music and movement.
In some ways it seemed like a adult version of a Series of Unfortunate Events with so many issues. However, life is sometimes that complicated. I wish I had her patience with her family.
In some ways it seemed like a adult version of a Series of Unfortunate Events with so many issues. However, life is sometimes that complicated. I wish I had her patience with her family.
Read
September 14, 2014Review to come.
August 10, 2015
Actual rating: 2.5 stars
February 24, 2015
This was a fantastic novel! It really takes you into the characters life, and it is one of those books that you just cannot put down!
December 28, 2016
I love ballet and books on ballet. I found this book to be written beautifully and I enjoyed the message of the book. I would love to read more about these wonderful characters.
October 19, 2019
this book met my expectations. It was really mediocre.
•the dialogue was really chessy and weird
•the ballet lingo was okay, but the author definitely isn’t in touch with what is expected in the ballet world: at the beginning of the book the main character does 19 fouettés, ONLY 19, and the teacher says that it’s “prima quality” then at the end she does 28 at the audition, and it’s a huge deal. Seriously?? anyone who’s auditioning for a company shoud be able to do at least 32, and the average for student level in like 16 at least!!
•really weird writing that just does not sit right. like this: “”Oh no!” I rolled my eyes so far back they got stuck. I blinked quickly.”
anyway, don’t waste your time with this book. If you are looking for a good ballet book read ‘The Scarlet Stockings’
•the dialogue was really chessy and weird
•the ballet lingo was okay, but the author definitely isn’t in touch with what is expected in the ballet world: at the beginning of the book the main character does 19 fouettés, ONLY 19, and the teacher says that it’s “prima quality” then at the end she does 28 at the audition, and it’s a huge deal. Seriously?? anyone who’s auditioning for a company shoud be able to do at least 32, and the average for student level in like 16 at least!!
•really weird writing that just does not sit right. like this: “”Oh no!” I rolled my eyes so far back they got stuck. I blinked quickly.”
anyway, don’t waste your time with this book. If you are looking for a good ballet book read ‘The Scarlet Stockings’
September 27, 2017
This book gave me a fear of anything that might keep me from dancing
July 30, 2015
Nancy Lorenz captured the essence of a teenage girl perfectly in Kendra--the sort of girl who thinks the world revolves around her. Fortunately, the reader gets to see a positive side as well--the kind and thoughtful sister. Kendra's little brother, Petey, was my favorite character: a sweet little autistic boy whom you're hoping can just come out of his shell and thrive. This book addresses a few pretty difficult situations including struggling to help a sibling with disabilities, moving, and dealing with the loss of a parent, to name a few. This novel also reminds us of the somewhat comical, not-so-great things about high school such as bullies and less than ideal school lunches (which you're probably either experiencing and can relate to or it's time to reminisce and be grateful that time has passed). Audiences who will enjoy this book would include teens, dancers (especially ballet), and anyone with a connection to someone with autism.
For full review go to http://www.compassbookratings.com/rev...
For full review go to http://www.compassbookratings.com/rev...
February 9, 2015
I picked this up because I love ballet (my daughters have taken it for 8 years). The story dealt with some real issues, but the main character came off as rather selfish and spoiled, which was annoying. Most of the other characters seemed like cardboard cut-outs. The writing had some major problems (and several glaring typos) and seemed to suffer from lack of editing. It was strange that "rosin" in the last chapter was spelled "resin." Though it may be made from resin, I have never heard any ballerina say anything but "rosin."
May 27, 2016
This book is very relatable because of the human struggle. Kendra teaches us that overcoming the struggle requires a person to listen to her/his own heart. Outside sources of authority can’t tell us what we should do or be. Often the outside sources point to a success that doesn’t align with what feels like true success for Kendra. Along her path to happiness, she discovers that love and service are a vital and meaningful part of her life journey.
To read the rest of this review, please visit the Exponent blog at http://www.the-exponent.com/book-revi...
To read the rest of this review, please visit the Exponent blog at http://www.the-exponent.com/book-revi...
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