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True Girls #3
Stepping Up
When life gets tough, you’ve got to step up.
Surrounded by good friends and able to indulge her passion for dance, Jenna’s life seems perfect. But when her dad loses his job, everything changes. Rather than quit dancing, Jenna scrambles to find a way to pay her own tuition. Unfortunately, she soon finds that starting her own business is more than she bargained for. Can she band together with her friends – and a new crush she just can’t resist – to pull it all off?
Stepping Up is the third book in the True Girls series. If you like heart-warming stories of clever and adventurous girls – with a touch of romance – you’ll love Jenna’s story in Stepping Up. Try this fast, fun read today!
Surrounded by good friends and able to indulge her passion for dance, Jenna’s life seems perfect. But when her dad loses his job, everything changes. Rather than quit dancing, Jenna scrambles to find a way to pay her own tuition. Unfortunately, she soon finds that starting her own business is more than she bargained for. Can she band together with her friends – and a new crush she just can’t resist – to pull it all off?
Stepping Up is the third book in the True Girls series. If you like heart-warming stories of clever and adventurous girls – with a touch of romance – you’ll love Jenna’s story in Stepping Up. Try this fast, fun read today!
146 pages, Paperback
Published March 6, 2016
6 people are currently reading
269 people want to read
About the author
Maggie M. Larche
12 books75 followersMaggie M. Larche loves to sing, read, and swing right alongside her kids. All of her stories feature courageous, smart, funny kids, because that's who her readers are!
She is the author of the award-winning Striker Jones series, a groundbreaking approach to teach economics to children through mystery stories.
Join her mailing list at www.maggiemlarche.com and get a free download of her new hilarious chapter book, Charlie Bingham Gets Serious!
She is the author of the award-winning Striker Jones series, a groundbreaking approach to teach economics to children through mystery stories.
Join her mailing list at www.maggiemlarche.com and get a free download of her new hilarious chapter book, Charlie Bingham Gets Serious!
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 8, 2016
Stepping Up is a story about hope, determination, and most of all, friendship. It’s about a girl, Jenna, who loves to dance. Jazz, ballet, hip-hop… She takes several classes at a local dance school and loves every moment of it (even when dealing with Moira, her top rival.)
As the story begins, Jenna’s dance lessons become threatened when her dad is laid off from work. No longer able to afford her lessons, her parents tell her she will have to quit.
Jenna, is of course, devastated. I would be, too, in her shoes… She’s been dancing since she was little and can’t imagine losing her dance classes. At first, Jenna hides the truth of her dad’s unemployment from her friends, trying to handle everything on her own. After all, it shouldn’t take that long for her dad to find a new job, right?
Having experienced the job search firsthand (as not every reader might have, but many parents will relate to), I know that it isn’t that simple, or easy. And soon, Jenna realizes this, too. Inspired by her brother’s formation of Y.M.A.W. (Young Men At Work, an odd-job club he and his friend run doing chores around town) and her own love for dancing, Jenna decides to open her own dance class for kids too young to attend the dance school.
When no kids show up for the first day of class, Jenna collapses on the couch with a bag of popcorn, a sure sign of distress. This is how her friends find her… And what happens next is heartwarming and inspiring for other young girls.
Stepping Up is the third in the True Girls series, but don’t let that deter you—it is a standalone story and one with an important message about friendship and never giving up, even when everything (including the weather!) seems to be against you.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
As the story begins, Jenna’s dance lessons become threatened when her dad is laid off from work. No longer able to afford her lessons, her parents tell her she will have to quit.
Jenna, is of course, devastated. I would be, too, in her shoes… She’s been dancing since she was little and can’t imagine losing her dance classes. At first, Jenna hides the truth of her dad’s unemployment from her friends, trying to handle everything on her own. After all, it shouldn’t take that long for her dad to find a new job, right?
Having experienced the job search firsthand (as not every reader might have, but many parents will relate to), I know that it isn’t that simple, or easy. And soon, Jenna realizes this, too. Inspired by her brother’s formation of Y.M.A.W. (Young Men At Work, an odd-job club he and his friend run doing chores around town) and her own love for dancing, Jenna decides to open her own dance class for kids too young to attend the dance school.
When no kids show up for the first day of class, Jenna collapses on the couch with a bag of popcorn, a sure sign of distress. This is how her friends find her… And what happens next is heartwarming and inspiring for other young girls.
Stepping Up is the third in the True Girls series, but don’t let that deter you—it is a standalone story and one with an important message about friendship and never giving up, even when everything (including the weather!) seems to be against you.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 18, 2016
READERS' FAVORITE REVIEW By Anne-Marie Reynolds
Stepping Up (True Girls) (Volume 3) by Maggie M Larche is the third in a series of preteen novels. Jenna has what seems to be the perfect life. One day something happens to change everything; her father loses his job. That means there is no money for the extras in life, like Jenna’s dance classes. Rather than give them up, she comes up with a way to earn the money to pay for them herself. She decides to start her own dance class for young children. But Jenna has seriously underestimated the amount of work needed to run a business and soon finds herself struggling. Will she succeed in her venture? Will her friends rally round to help her and will she accept their help?
Stepping Up (True Girls) (Volume 3) by Maggie M Larche is just as good a read as book 2. Once again, Ms. Larche has written the story perfectly for her audience and has written it with great expertise. This isn’t just a story though; there are lessons to be learned here, lessons about not taking things, or people, for granted. Lessons about rallying round to help each other and how to overcome the obstacles that life throws at us all on a daily basis. Maggie M Larche has once again written the perfect mix of fun and action with plenty going on to hold the reader to the story. The plot is well written in a language that is very easy to follow and the characters were well developed too, so much so that I felt I had known them forever. Another excellent book by Ms. Larche, and I look forward to reading more.
Stepping Up (True Girls) (Volume 3) by Maggie M Larche is the third in a series of preteen novels. Jenna has what seems to be the perfect life. One day something happens to change everything; her father loses his job. That means there is no money for the extras in life, like Jenna’s dance classes. Rather than give them up, she comes up with a way to earn the money to pay for them herself. She decides to start her own dance class for young children. But Jenna has seriously underestimated the amount of work needed to run a business and soon finds herself struggling. Will she succeed in her venture? Will her friends rally round to help her and will she accept their help?
Stepping Up (True Girls) (Volume 3) by Maggie M Larche is just as good a read as book 2. Once again, Ms. Larche has written the story perfectly for her audience and has written it with great expertise. This isn’t just a story though; there are lessons to be learned here, lessons about not taking things, or people, for granted. Lessons about rallying round to help each other and how to overcome the obstacles that life throws at us all on a daily basis. Maggie M Larche has once again written the perfect mix of fun and action with plenty going on to hold the reader to the story. The plot is well written in a language that is very easy to follow and the characters were well developed too, so much so that I felt I had known them forever. Another excellent book by Ms. Larche, and I look forward to reading more.
April 7, 2016
Maggie Larche has written several books about kids of middle school age, and I think this one is my favorite.
Jenna loves dance. It's her favorite thing. But when her father suddenly loses his job, she realizes that her expensive dance lessons are a luxury their family can no longer afford. So, taking a cue from her older brother, she decides to earn extra money on the side by giving very young girls the benefit of her experience.
While this story is very much about being enterprising and adapting to new situations, where it shines is in its depictions of friendship and teamwork. Jenna receives invaluable help from many different sources in order to get her idea off the ground, including a couple of people she wasn't expecting. This sends a very good message to any kids who might read this book.
Honestly, I can't think of one criticism I have for this book. It was a delightful, quick read, and I would recommend it to kids of middle school age.
Jenna loves dance. It's her favorite thing. But when her father suddenly loses his job, she realizes that her expensive dance lessons are a luxury their family can no longer afford. So, taking a cue from her older brother, she decides to earn extra money on the side by giving very young girls the benefit of her experience.
While this story is very much about being enterprising and adapting to new situations, where it shines is in its depictions of friendship and teamwork. Jenna receives invaluable help from many different sources in order to get her idea off the ground, including a couple of people she wasn't expecting. This sends a very good message to any kids who might read this book.
Honestly, I can't think of one criticism I have for this book. It was a delightful, quick read, and I would recommend it to kids of middle school age.
June 23, 2016
Every now and then, I like to step back into middle school. Reading Stepping Up by Maggie M. Larche took me right back to being a 12 year old girl learning the ins and outs of friendship, autonomy, and navigating those rocky (and sometimes self-absorbed) waters of adolescence.
In Stepping Up, the main character Jenna is faced with the reality of what her dance lessons actually cost when her dad loses his long-held job. The family is faced with cutting back on non-necessities, and even though Jenna feels her dance lessons are absolutely necessary, she is confronted with the fact that her parents cannot afford for her to attend dance school until her father finds another job.
Taking a cue from her older brother's initiative to start his own side business, Jenna decides to offer dance lessons to young children out of her family basement. When no one shows for her first class, she feels defeated. And she has been too embarrassed to confide in her friends about her dad losing his job. Once she does share the burden she's been carrying, her friends pitch in to help her create a successful dance school. Jenna realizes that it's okay to ask for help, and that people near to her really WANT to help.
In turn, Jenna comes to another realization: that she has been selfish. She apologizes to her dad for her initial reaction of only caring about her loss of dance lessons when she learned of his unemployment. She reaches out to her current friends in new ways, and even makes friends with her long-time competitor... and she finds a little romance along the way, when she begins to crush on her brother's best friend.
I enjoyed Jenna's story. I will share this book with my 10 year old daughter; I think she will enjoy it too. The dialogue among the younger characters felt very natural, and the book moved along at a good pace. Jenna and her friends all had different talents and skills, and they are all good role models for young girls to read about. Looking forward to reading other books by Maggie M. Larche.
In Stepping Up, the main character Jenna is faced with the reality of what her dance lessons actually cost when her dad loses his long-held job. The family is faced with cutting back on non-necessities, and even though Jenna feels her dance lessons are absolutely necessary, she is confronted with the fact that her parents cannot afford for her to attend dance school until her father finds another job.
Taking a cue from her older brother's initiative to start his own side business, Jenna decides to offer dance lessons to young children out of her family basement. When no one shows for her first class, she feels defeated. And she has been too embarrassed to confide in her friends about her dad losing his job. Once she does share the burden she's been carrying, her friends pitch in to help her create a successful dance school. Jenna realizes that it's okay to ask for help, and that people near to her really WANT to help.
In turn, Jenna comes to another realization: that she has been selfish. She apologizes to her dad for her initial reaction of only caring about her loss of dance lessons when she learned of his unemployment. She reaches out to her current friends in new ways, and even makes friends with her long-time competitor... and she finds a little romance along the way, when she begins to crush on her brother's best friend.
I enjoyed Jenna's story. I will share this book with my 10 year old daughter; I think she will enjoy it too. The dialogue among the younger characters felt very natural, and the book moved along at a good pace. Jenna and her friends all had different talents and skills, and they are all good role models for young girls to read about. Looking forward to reading other books by Maggie M. Larche.
June 13, 2016
THIS INSPIRING STORY IS SURE TO HAVE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOUNG READERS
This encouraging tween girl book is written with relevant, straightforward prose and has plenty of unexpected plot twists to keep readers involved. The spirited main character is engaged in relationships with several other diverse characters, rich with humor and insight, including best friends, rivals and first crushes.
But perhaps more importantly, this inspiring story covers several significant themes for young girls. It introduces the concepts of budgeting and financial responsibility in a compelling manner. It illustrates positive friendships and generosity. And finally, it reinforces how passion, persistence and the power of teamwork can help even a young person to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
I will be giving this book to my 13 year old daughter and recommending it to her friends. Not only will they certainly enjoy it, but thanks to the success of the girls in the story, who knows what enterprising feats it will spark in each reader when faced with obstacles in their own lives.
(This book was given to me for free in a .PDF format from the author for an honest review).
This encouraging tween girl book is written with relevant, straightforward prose and has plenty of unexpected plot twists to keep readers involved. The spirited main character is engaged in relationships with several other diverse characters, rich with humor and insight, including best friends, rivals and first crushes.
But perhaps more importantly, this inspiring story covers several significant themes for young girls. It introduces the concepts of budgeting and financial responsibility in a compelling manner. It illustrates positive friendships and generosity. And finally, it reinforces how passion, persistence and the power of teamwork can help even a young person to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
I will be giving this book to my 13 year old daughter and recommending it to her friends. Not only will they certainly enjoy it, but thanks to the success of the girls in the story, who knows what enterprising feats it will spark in each reader when faced with obstacles in their own lives.
(This book was given to me for free in a .PDF format from the author for an honest review).
May 20, 2016
“Stepping Up” follows Jenna Marlow, a feisty girl of twelve whose love of dance takes a blow when her father loses his job and the family must cut costs—including Jenna’s dance lessons. Determined to not give up on her dreams of being the best dancer at class, Jenna decides to put on her entrepreneurial hat and earn her tuition by holding dance lessons for younger kids. In the process Jenna discovers the value of friendship, family, and even romance with her brother’s best friend.
This was a sweet story with good themes that I could get into by the end. Though at the beginning I was hesitant because some of the voices didn’t sound twelve (for instance phrases like “Oh Lordie”), by the end I was cheering for Jenna and her friends. This is a fun, wholesome read for the twelves and unders, perhaps ideally suited for ten and under. It reminded me of the Babysitter’s Club series, with the plucky girl characters whose friendship triumphs over all.
Overall a safe and cute read for young girls.
I received a free copy for an unbiased review.
This was a sweet story with good themes that I could get into by the end. Though at the beginning I was hesitant because some of the voices didn’t sound twelve (for instance phrases like “Oh Lordie”), by the end I was cheering for Jenna and her friends. This is a fun, wholesome read for the twelves and unders, perhaps ideally suited for ten and under. It reminded me of the Babysitter’s Club series, with the plucky girl characters whose friendship triumphs over all.
Overall a safe and cute read for young girls.
I received a free copy for an unbiased review.
April 8, 2016
Dance lessons are how much? Jenna Marlow's peaceful life and love of dance are disrupted when her father loses his job. Her beloved dance lessons become a luxury their family now can't afford. But, spurred on by her brother's attempts to raise money to pay for his own karate lessons, Jenna finds more creative ways to raise the money she needs.
We really enjoyed reading about Jenna and her friends. The story is very well written and easily draws the reader in. The characters and dialogue are realistic and the plot is paced well. It is a heart-warming tale of resilience and the power of friendship. I think it presents a valuable perspective in offering ideas about independence and taking on responsibility for young children. We will very much look forward to reading others in the series.
I was given a free copy of Stepping Up for an honest review.
We really enjoyed reading about Jenna and her friends. The story is very well written and easily draws the reader in. The characters and dialogue are realistic and the plot is paced well. It is a heart-warming tale of resilience and the power of friendship. I think it presents a valuable perspective in offering ideas about independence and taking on responsibility for young children. We will very much look forward to reading others in the series.
I was given a free copy of Stepping Up for an honest review.
April 30, 2016
A wonderful read for kids/tweens of all ages. In Stepping Up, Jenna is a surprisingly mature and driven student. After discovering her father lost his job, she is quick to determine that she needs to to step up her game in order to continue pursuing her passion for dance. All of a sudden, tossing herself into entrepreneurship, she tries to raise the funds to cover her tuition.
A wonderful role model, Jenna demonstrates that by being determined, following your passions with hard work and dedication will lead to greater success. She's the definition of perseverance.
Jumping back up continuously when knocked down, Jenna continuously dodges obstacles, and strives to move forward. Will Jenna reach her goal?
A drawn out modern day fable in itself, that’s still short and sweet, Maggie delivers. Excellent.
A wonderful role model, Jenna demonstrates that by being determined, following your passions with hard work and dedication will lead to greater success. She's the definition of perseverance.
Jumping back up continuously when knocked down, Jenna continuously dodges obstacles, and strives to move forward. Will Jenna reach her goal?
A drawn out modern day fable in itself, that’s still short and sweet, Maggie delivers. Excellent.
April 9, 2016
What a great book! I don't usually read middle grade, so I was quite surprised that I loved it as much as I did. The story is one of friendship, struggle, responsibility, and learning to focus on others instead of just yourself and your own problems.
The characters are as smart and enterprising as they are likable and entertaining. Jenna and her friends have real, believable camaraderie and her brother is hilarious. The description is clear- I could see the entire story playing out in my head as I read. Jenna learning "the moral of the story" at the end and doing the right thing actually had my eyes burning with proud tears for a second.
All in all, an excellent story. I'd recommend!
* I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
The characters are as smart and enterprising as they are likable and entertaining. Jenna and her friends have real, believable camaraderie and her brother is hilarious. The description is clear- I could see the entire story playing out in my head as I read. Jenna learning "the moral of the story" at the end and doing the right thing actually had my eyes burning with proud tears for a second.
All in all, an excellent story. I'd recommend!
* I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
May 20, 2016
When Jenna’s dad loses his job, the family has to cut back on extras. Faced with losing her beloved dance classes, Jenna has to figure out a way to pay for them herself.
She decides to start a dance class for pre-schoolers but soon discovers it’s easier said than done. Eventually she breaks down and tells her closest friends about her dad, and they unite to help Jenna.
Stepping Up is a story about life’s unexpected turns, and how we deal with them. It’s the story of a 12-year-old who takes her future into her own hands, and with the help of her friends, family and even an adversary, surmounts a series of setbacks on the way to achieving her goal. An entertaining, well written story for pre-teens.
I was given a copy of this novel in return for an honest review.
She decides to start a dance class for pre-schoolers but soon discovers it’s easier said than done. Eventually she breaks down and tells her closest friends about her dad, and they unite to help Jenna.
Stepping Up is a story about life’s unexpected turns, and how we deal with them. It’s the story of a 12-year-old who takes her future into her own hands, and with the help of her friends, family and even an adversary, surmounts a series of setbacks on the way to achieving her goal. An entertaining, well written story for pre-teens.
I was given a copy of this novel in return for an honest review.
June 17, 2016
I lOVED this book! I have to admit, I'm not usually a fan of long chapter books, but this one kept my interest & was an enjoyable read. I felt sucked into the story as if I were there...a part of every dance move & step:-) A beautiful & relatable storyline about family & friendship.
September 19, 2016
What a fun middle grade friendship story. This book has it all, a good strong family, a circle of friends and an obstacle to overcome. The author has several books in this series so if your child likes this one there are more adventures to come.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews