Breaking Pointe

by Chenée Marrapodi

Amelia loves ballet more than anything, but the sudden arrival of an intense new teacher shifts the Academy focus from classical to contemporary dance. Amelia is out of her depth with the edgy choreography and unsettled by its world-ending theme, especially when a shock diagnosis really might bring her life crashing down.Valentina is completely at home with the new style but has troubles off the dance floor. As she desperately strives to secure a scholarship and save her dance career, money problems and an unexpected romance have her in a complete spin.With so much at breaking point, the girls will need to decide what really matters before everything falls apart.

Genres: Middle Grade

288 pages, Paperback

Published July 2, 2024

About the author

Chenée Marrapodi is an Australian writer and podcaster. She has worked in media for many years, currently for Channel Nine News, and formerly as a reporter for Channel Seven’s Today Tonight, as well as online news and radio. Chenée’s love of words is rivalled only by her love of dance. Combining the two, One Wrong Turn is her first novel.

Reviews

[Veronica ⭐️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

More children's book reviews at: https://littlesquirrelsbookshelf.blog...
Breaking Pointe is an inspiring story about friendship, dancing and holding onto your dream.

Breaking Pointe is the second book by Chenee Marrapodi featuring the students of the Perth Ballet Academy. The first book is titled One Wrong Turn.

Valentina is worried that her parents can't afford the dance fees and she may have to give up her dream.

Amelia is not coping, she is tired and can't seem to focus. When she collapses and is rushed to hospital a Type 1 diabetes diagnosis shatters her world. Will she have to give up dancing?

Marrapodi includes themes of cultural differences, the pressure of elite dancing and the complexity of friendships when they are in competition against each other.

I loved that Chenee Marrapodi portrays the type1 diagnosis so accurately. From the point of view of Amelia who felt like it was a life ending diagnosis to the point of view of her parents who fretted, panicked and over reacted. Having an adult child with T1 I could relate to it all.

Breaking Pointe is an invaluable resource, not only for children who have been diagnosed with T1 but also their friends and teachers.

Breaking Pointe is a story that teaches empathy and understanding about cultural differences and living with a chronic condition.

Breaking Pointe will be particularly enjoyed by girls and boys who love to dance.

[Olivia Cranston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional book. It's one of my new favourites, it shows the girls thoughts and feeling so clearly, and connects with the reader. Would 100% recommend.

[Odelya London · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me and my friend read one wrong turn and loved it so we had a race who could finish breaking pointe first. In the end the story was even better then one wrong turn! It's a great story for age 10 to 14 and the story shows to perspectives of children that love dance. In the story, there is a scholarship in grabs and the girls struggle to get in facing challenges. I hope Chene Marrapodi will publish lots more stories.

[IvyZuzu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of my favourite books, although I got a little confused in the first few chapters (cause I don’t usually look at titles). This book is one of the few books I have read that narrates from different perspectives, a girl named Amelia, and another girl, Valentina. I would recommend this book to 7-9 years old as the vocab is not very difficult, and the story is amazing. Anyone who also does dancing, or can relate to the story may also enjoy it. Everything was going smoothly, Amelia present in every lesson, and Valentina finally starting to fit in with the group. Valentina is an Italian girl who has moved here and joined the dance group, she is close friends with Amelia. When Valentina becomes self-conscious of Sam’s crush on her, she realises that she had not seen what had been quite obvious. Amelia is all of a sudden diagnosed with diabetes, type 1, and cannot dance in several lessons. Will Amelia ever be able to dance again? Does Valentina also like Sam?

[Perla Raiter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing! Seeing Amelia and Valentina finally friends, but overcoming difficulties together was really great, and I felt like I really developed with the characters. I loved this book and it was an amazing read!