Dancing on the Edge

by Kit Bakke

Twelve year-old Dot is not a dancer, but after her mother's sudden and senseless death, she finds herself dancing on the edge...of everything. After her whole world unravels in seconds, Dot is propelled on a voyage to discover the meaning of her past, and of her mother's greatest gift to her. With all familiar anchors swept away, Dot's trip becomes a struggle between finding that gift and running away from a future that feels so bleak. Pack your bags for a memorable, powerful journey into life in the wake of profound loss. "With complex characters and eloquent prose, it's an absorbing story of a girl's surprising path through her grief." - Publisher's Weekly "A wonderful and endearing story about the power of books and travel to heal us." - Jim Lynch, author of national bestseller The Highest Tide "This is a banquet table of a book, filled with real and imagined heroes, would be friends, irritating family, cherished memories, new experiences, and leaps through time. -Lynn Wiley Grant (yellowwallpaperwriters.com)

188 pages, Paperback

First published September 25, 2013

About the author

Kit Bakke spent the last half of the 20th century as a political radical (SDS and the Weather Underground), a pediatric oncology nurse, and an information technology consultant. In the 21st century, she became a published writer. Her MISS ALCOTT'S E-MAIL has led to further writing adventures, including being a founding member of Seattle7Writers (www.seattle7writers.org) and a chapter in HOTEL ANGELINE. Her next book, DANCING ON THE EDGE, is a story of travel, discovery and possibly magic. Young teens, if they are good readers, like it, and so do adults. Her latest book PROTEST ON TRIAL: THE SEATTLE 7 CONSPIRACY "chronicles a significant, real-life slice of history, but it reads more like a well-crafted novel and reminds us that dissent--now no less than then--is the essence of democracy."

Reviews

[Stephanie Konat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was moving and sweet, and honestly depicts the intense grief felt after suddenly losing a parent. Dot, the main character, is only 12, and so she has her moments of being sullen and sad, but the story of how her aunt wisks her off to travel, and learn about the legacy her mom left her, is just lovely. The author sneaks in some very forward-thinking girl-power ghosts like Jane Austen, Mary Shelley and Dorothy Wordsworth. I could really see this book in a 6-8th grade classroom, it would be a great YA book that would covertly teach teenagers some literary history, as well. I think anyone who enjoys the pluck and resourcefulness of Nancy Drew books would really enjoy reading about Dot. She's a work in progress, but she's smart and independent.

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story grew on me. It is a poignant story of a girl grieving the loss of her mother, with a little help from her aunt and some literary characters along the way. I did not enjoy the first chapters, but they were necessary. I think this book would be enjoyed by many, especially tween or teen girls, and those who have a love of classic authors like Jane Austen.

[Eileen Carter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent story

This was well written, told through the eyes of some young girl who had recently suffered a devasting blow in her life. Now faced with the future what will she do.

[Kimberlee Carpenter DuPraw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging Novel

Grief is an odd bird. Grief for an adolescent is more so. I found this believable. The factual history woven throughout was interesting.