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American Girl: Isabelle #1
Isabelle
Isabelle is excited about starting her first year at the Anna Hart School of the Arts! But she can't help comparing herself to her older sister, Jade, who attends the same school and is an amazing ballerina. Isabelle's other classmates are equally talented, and she starts wondering whether she really belongs at her new school. She earns a role in the fall festival, but she struggles during rehearsals. Can Isabelle learn how to focus less on those around her and more on her own dancing? With help from her sister and her friends, Isabelle may discover a unique talent that she can truly call her own.
131 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2011
About the author
Laurence Yep
123 books303 followersBorn June 14, 1948 in San Francisco, California, Yep was the son of Thomas Gim Yep and Franche Lee Yep. Franche Lee, her family's youngest child, was born in Ohio and raised in West Virginia where her family owned a Chinese laundry. Yep's father, Thomas, was born in China and came to America at the age of ten where he lived, not in Chinatown, but with an Irish friend in a white neighborhood. After troubling times during the Depression, he was able to open a grocery store in an African-American neighborhood. Growing up in San Francisco, Yep felt alienated. He was in his own words his neighborhood's "all-purpose Asian" and did not feel he had a culture of his own. Joanne Ryder, a children's book author, and Yep met and became friends during college while she was his editor. They later married and now live in San Francisco.
Although not living in Chinatown, Yep commuted to a parochial bilingual school there. Other students at the school, according to Yep, labeled him a "dumbbell Chinese" because he spoke only English. During high school he faced the white American culture for the first time. However, it was while attending high school that he started writing for a science fiction magazine, being paid one cent a word for his efforts. After two years at Marquette University, Yep transferred to the University of California at Santa Cruz where he graduated in 1970 with a B.A. He continued on to earn a Ph.D. in English from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1975. Today as well as writing, he has taught writing and Asian American Studies at the University of California, Berkeley and Santa Barbara.
Although not living in Chinatown, Yep commuted to a parochial bilingual school there. Other students at the school, according to Yep, labeled him a "dumbbell Chinese" because he spoke only English. During high school he faced the white American culture for the first time. However, it was while attending high school that he started writing for a science fiction magazine, being paid one cent a word for his efforts. After two years at Marquette University, Yep transferred to the University of California at Santa Cruz where he graduated in 1970 with a B.A. He continued on to earn a Ph.D. in English from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1975. Today as well as writing, he has taught writing and Asian American Studies at the University of California, Berkeley and Santa Barbara.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
August 22, 2020
This book is very well-researched, and I am impressed that an adult male author was able to capture a ballet environment with such great sensory, emotional, and social detail. However, I did not enjoy this book, and I do not regret my choice to skip it when it came out in 2014. Like many other American Girl "Girl of the Year" books, this story focuses on someone with a privileged background, and the elite dance school setting here pushes that over the top.
This book is fine for the target audience, and it is totally inoffensive. However, it is mainly fantasy wish-fulfillment for young ballerinas, and even though it has some positive messages about facing fears and dealing with performance anxiety, the characters are all one-dimensional, especially the antagonist. This book's appeal is limited to girls who are about seven to twelve, and primarily to those who are interested in ballet.
Since I was able to get this book for free from my library, it was an okay way to pass thirty minutes and ensure that I wouldn't miss out on anything once it was gone. However, if someone is in the used book market for out-of-print American Girl books, I would encourage them to pass on this series. The 2008 Mia duo by the same author is more interesting and engaging, and even though she is a figure skater, her family's financial challenges make that book more realistic and engaging from a wider range for readers.
This book is fine for the target audience, and it is totally inoffensive. However, it is mainly fantasy wish-fulfillment for young ballerinas, and even though it has some positive messages about facing fears and dealing with performance anxiety, the characters are all one-dimensional, especially the antagonist. This book's appeal is limited to girls who are about seven to twelve, and primarily to those who are interested in ballet.
Since I was able to get this book for free from my library, it was an okay way to pass thirty minutes and ensure that I wouldn't miss out on anything once it was gone. However, if someone is in the used book market for out-of-print American Girl books, I would encourage them to pass on this series. The 2008 Mia duo by the same author is more interesting and engaging, and even though she is a figure skater, her family's financial challenges make that book more realistic and engaging from a wider range for readers.
May 31, 2017
This book really encourages me to face my fears👍🏻
October 24, 2021
I officially deem the movie better than the book. I'm sorry, but there was a lot of dislikable things.
For starters, I will say that the character development was just "bleh." There was nothing very unique about each character and they all seemed to be the same. Although Isabelle's sister Jade was "perfect," it was displayed as well as the movie. And Isabelle's best friend, Luisa, was a bit aggressive for my taste. She would get roweled up over little things and I know that it was because of her older brother not keeping in touch with her regularly, but still, I thought that was a bit unnecessary.
Next, the bully was not truly a bully. In the movie, Renata was constantly telling Isabelle how bad of a dancer she was and that she didn't belong at Anna Hart. Because of that, Isabelle felt less confidence as a dancer and that was what was making her mess up all the time in ballet class. However, in the book, Renata hardly appeared in the book and when she did, the things that she was say was so juvenile; it's not the type of talk that would make someone feel less confident.
Also, I was not a fan of the illustrations. Although they were sprinkled, none of the other American Girl books I've read had them, so that made the book feel even more juvenile.
Those were the two biggest issues for me. Aside from that, I wish the settings were more descriptive and that the parents appeared more (they did in the movie, especially the Mom).
I was super disappointed with this book. I'm not sure if it's because of my age or if it was just a bad book. Nevertheless, I don't think I'll read the other 2 books in the series.
For starters, I will say that the character development was just "bleh." There was nothing very unique about each character and they all seemed to be the same. Although Isabelle's sister Jade was "perfect," it was displayed as well as the movie. And Isabelle's best friend, Luisa, was a bit aggressive for my taste. She would get roweled up over little things and I know that it was because of her older brother not keeping in touch with her regularly, but still, I thought that was a bit unnecessary.
Next, the bully was not truly a bully. In the movie, Renata was constantly telling Isabelle how bad of a dancer she was and that she didn't belong at Anna Hart. Because of that, Isabelle felt less confidence as a dancer and that was what was making her mess up all the time in ballet class. However, in the book, Renata hardly appeared in the book and when she did, the things that she was say was so juvenile; it's not the type of talk that would make someone feel less confident.
Also, I was not a fan of the illustrations. Although they were sprinkled, none of the other American Girl books I've read had them, so that made the book feel even more juvenile.
Those were the two biggest issues for me. Aside from that, I wish the settings were more descriptive and that the parents appeared more (they did in the movie, especially the Mom).
I was super disappointed with this book. I'm not sure if it's because of my age or if it was just a bad book. Nevertheless, I don't think I'll read the other 2 books in the series.
June 12, 2016
This is a book for kids in 1-3
August 4, 2026
"I've been dying to get into Anna Hart ever since kindergarten... My big sister, Jade, on the other hand, had gotten in on her very first try."Little Fish. Big Pond.
Isabelle Palmer has dreamt of this moment for years, and now that she's finally gotten into the school, she thought she would be overjoyed. But there's just one problem - she's choking.
Isabelle used to be one of the best dancers in her classes but in her new school? No. Dice. Every time she thinks she has the new school figured out, she's thrown a curveball.
"Watch and learn, Dizzy Izzy."
...All I could do was watch silently as Renata did my steps - perfectly.
She's going to have to pull out all the stops to get ready for the fall festival show in time - but will she get the dance right? Will she ever fit in?
"But then I remembered that a tricky part was coming up. I became so anxious to do it right that I rushed and curved away from the line of flowers too early..."
I've read quite a few Girl of the Year books so far and this one...it was just okay to me. It wasn't terribly bad...but it also didn't strike out from the pack at all.
...my confidence had gone down the drain, and I found myself falling farther and farther behind the others."
On the positive side - the main character felt convincing as a young girl who felt anxious and nervous at her new school.
I liked how the author showed her trying different techniques to mitigate her dancing concerns and how Isabelle both looked up to her sister and was a bit jealous of how much better of a dancer her sister was.
However, the story itself felt bland. I was hoping for more depth from the characters but everything felt fairly surface level.
The bully (Renata) wasn't given much dimensionality - her main actions was to say "Dizzy Izzy" while providing a barbed comment. I never picked up on why there was such vehement hatred of Isabelle nor why the random comments affected her so much.
If there was more backstory or reasoning, I could understand Isabelle's reaction but Renata barely appeared in the story. She'd say her comment then flounce off. I wish there was more oomph given to those interactions.
And...was it just me or was the super-ultra-designed fall festival outfit just kinda...meh? Throughout the book, we are told about how Isabelle worked so hard on this outfit for the festival and how much time she spent designing it...and when we got to the illustration, I was like, "that's a regular tutu...?"
Maybe I'm missing something, but the outfit felt realllllly overhyped for what we got.
July 8, 2026
It was good, but not the best. I never connected to the characters?
The struggles felt real, though! Comparing yourself to an older sibling, but also realizing they have problems too. Not giving up, and finding ways to make things work.
I don’t think I'll read the other books.
The struggles felt real, though! Comparing yourself to an older sibling, but also realizing they have problems too. Not giving up, and finding ways to make things work.
I don’t think I'll read the other books.
June 14, 2022
Her best friend was Louisa . Isabell was a ballerina at Anna
heart school for the first time. Her sister jade was there to
She thinks it will be the time of her life but it ends up getting really hard!!!!!😮
heart school for the first time. Her sister jade was there to
She thinks it will be the time of her life but it ends up getting really hard!!!!!😮
August 7, 2014
A cute story about how a girl who loves to dance finds her confidence. I didn't care that much for Isabelle, the main character, but I really liked her supportive family, especially her older sister Jade.
And, can I just say that I LOVED the pictures in this book? Seriously, they were so adorable and well-drawn that I stared at them for way too long (I don't regret it). Here's a sneak peek.
How can you NOT love that?
Anyway, I would recommend Isabelle to ten-year-girls looking for a clean, fun read (or older girls who are still a fan of American Girl books, like myself). The story also ends on a continuous note, setting the scene for book two.
And, can I just say that I LOVED the pictures in this book? Seriously, they were so adorable and well-drawn that I stared at them for way too long (I don't regret it). Here's a sneak peek.
How can you NOT love that?
Anyway, I would recommend Isabelle to ten-year-girls looking for a clean, fun read (or older girls who are still a fan of American Girl books, like myself). The story also ends on a continuous note, setting the scene for book two.
January 2, 2014
Isabelle is a cute enough story but the thing I found most interesting in the story (Jade's mood swings) isn't explained in this particular book.
August 6, 2016
Not so much a reflection of the writing, but of AG's choice to feature, once again, a privileged white girl.
September 12, 2024
Isabelle is still new at her performing arts school, she used to be the best dancer in her ballet class now she’s struggling and feels like she’s behind. With her school recital show coming up, she has a big role within it, she has to figure out how to nail her routine, she hopes the lucky sash she’s made for her costume will help, as well as Jades visualisation trick.
Isabelle is adorable, she tries really hard but her anxiety in her brain really over powers her, making her panic over each move she does making her not feel good enough. Add to it that she compares herself her sister who she deems perfect. She also lets bully Renata into her head and believes all the put downs she hears.
A really sweet book, I liked reading about Isabelle, I’ve been wanting to read her books since they came out but for some reason I just never got to them. Her movie is one of my favourite American Girl movies so I wanted to see the comparison and I’ve really enjoyed reading it.
The illustrations are interesting they look like photographs rather than illustrations, they are really pretty but different to what I was expecting. A really great read on having a dream, pursuing it, but having mental health hold you back making you feel less than and not as good as you actually are. She’s a great character with a great story arc and full of passion.
I really liked seeing how she managed to grow from her fears and doubts to figuring out that the lily pond visualisation helped her to stay calm and to just go with the flow, she knew the routine and that helped her understand more of what to do. I liked that we got to see her love of designing too, she created costumes for the recital and her passion is so strong within that. This is a really good book and I enjoyed reading it, seeing this side of Isabelle, of her self struggles, of her kindness, her jealousy of her sister and her real love for dancing shining through.
Isabelle is adorable, she tries really hard but her anxiety in her brain really over powers her, making her panic over each move she does making her not feel good enough. Add to it that she compares herself her sister who she deems perfect. She also lets bully Renata into her head and believes all the put downs she hears.
A really sweet book, I liked reading about Isabelle, I’ve been wanting to read her books since they came out but for some reason I just never got to them. Her movie is one of my favourite American Girl movies so I wanted to see the comparison and I’ve really enjoyed reading it.
The illustrations are interesting they look like photographs rather than illustrations, they are really pretty but different to what I was expecting. A really great read on having a dream, pursuing it, but having mental health hold you back making you feel less than and not as good as you actually are. She’s a great character with a great story arc and full of passion.
I really liked seeing how she managed to grow from her fears and doubts to figuring out that the lily pond visualisation helped her to stay calm and to just go with the flow, she knew the routine and that helped her understand more of what to do. I liked that we got to see her love of designing too, she created costumes for the recital and her passion is so strong within that. This is a really good book and I enjoyed reading it, seeing this side of Isabelle, of her self struggles, of her kindness, her jealousy of her sister and her real love for dancing shining through.
November 10, 2024
This book was okay, but the author missed some things in my opinion. For example, when Isabelle is performing in the picture, she isn't wearing tights! She also is wearing tall lace-ups, so if it was in real life, she would chafe and be really uncomfortable. There's also a lot of movement in recitals. One time I wore ballet slippers without any tights, that was one of my worst decisions ever.
Isabelle also came off as a brat to me. When Lusia was talking about how she hadn't heard from her brother, Isabelle was like whatever stop talking about it.
also they really never mention her friend who is a magician so much I forgot his name
Isabelle also came off as a brat to me. When Lusia was talking about how she hadn't heard from her brother, Isabelle was like whatever stop talking about it.
also they really never mention her friend who is a magician so much I forgot his name
March 14, 2018
I'll have to do a fuller review later. One, too late right now. Two, I can't think of enough words.
I do want to mentions how I liked it much more than I thought I would. I, in fact, quite enjoyed reading this. And I really like how it set it up for the sequel.
Would give it 4.5 if that was an option.
I do want to mentions how I liked it much more than I thought I would. I, in fact, quite enjoyed reading this. And I really like how it set it up for the sequel.
Would give it 4.5 if that was an option.
March 26, 2020
Isabelle starts her first year at the Anna Hart School of the Arts but she thinks all her classmates are more talented than her. Even though, she knows all the moves, she lets her thoughts and anxiety get to her. As she struggles through the story, she grows in her confidence. A good American Girl book.
March 27, 2020
I understand this is a book meant for younger girls. I have the doll myself, but never bothered to pick up the book she came with. This was my first actual read of it. And it was adorable! I think any young girl reading this will feel inspired and love it! I could not stand the pictures inconsistencies with Isabelle’s age, but that’s fiiiiineee.
August 7, 2020
I mean it was okay I guess but I’m still kinda disappointed.
I literally felt like there was no plot, and I was expecting more from AG, as I used to read these books all the time. This book couldn’t compare to any of the others I read...
I literally felt like there was no plot, and I was expecting more from AG, as I used to read these books all the time. This book couldn’t compare to any of the others I read...
September 16, 2020
Definitely not my favorite. I found it hard to get through. It was pretty dull. When they say Isabelle is a dancer, that's really it. Everything in this book is about dance. The final performance description is beautiful, however.
April 3, 2025
This was a great book. Isabelle was born the same year as me, which is nice. I relate to her because I worry about making mistakes and am hard on myself like her. It is a comfort series of mine because I watched the movie when I was struggling mentally. Thanks Laurence!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2026
"I've been dying to get into Anna Hart ever since kindergarten... My big sister, Jade, on the other hand, had gotten in on her very first try."This one was okay, but it felt weaker to some of the Girl of the Years.
December 5, 2016
I loved this book it really made me want to dance like Isabelle. I loved Isabelle's dress. And Jade was such a good sister to Isabelle. Like when she got upset about her sash and her dancing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2018
This book is great and I'd love to read other books like it!
April 8, 2020
Hey how are you
May 11, 2020
I mean it’s alright.
March 29, 2021
It was great!! I dont want to spoile it for u so I will just say its great and that she dance and is at a new school.
June 10, 2021
Cute, but not my fav goty book. Still, it's nice to read another one of these.
October 11, 2021
A quick read. Childish and unimportant.
December 9, 2021
This book is so bad it’s like just not even I can’t….
February 27, 2022
Very good book
April 7, 2023
Cute kids Performing Arts novel.
June 2, 2024
"I like this book because Isabelle learned that she doesn't have to be in her sister's shed all the time." -Cadee, age 12
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews